Quilantang,Clairole Marie L.

Gen. Engg I-C

Introduction to Molecular Geometry

Three-Dimensional Arrangement of Atoms in a Molecule

Molecular geometry or molecular structure is the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within

a molecule. It is important to be able to predict and understand the molecular structure of a molecule
because many of the properties of a substance are determined by its geometry.
The Valence Shell, Bonding Pairs, and VSEPR Model
The outermost electrons of an atom are its valence electrons. The valence electrons are the electrons
that are most often involved in forming bonds and making molecules.
Pairs of electrons are shared between atoms in a molecule and hold the atoms together. These pairs
are called "bonding pairs".
One way to predict the way electrons within atoms will repel each other is to apply the VSEPR
(valence-shell electron-pair repulsion) model. VSEPR can be used to determine a molecule's general
geometry.
Predicting Molecular Geometry
Here is a chart that describes the usual geometry for molecules based on their bonding behavior. To
use this key, first draw out the Lewis structure for a molecule. Count how many electron pairs are
present, including both bonding pairs and lone pairs. Treat both double and triple bonds as if they
were single electron pairs. A is used to represent the central atom. B indicates atoms surrounding A. E
indicates the number of lone electron pairs. Bond angles are predicted in the following order:
lone pair versus lone pair repulsion > lone pair versus bonding pair repulsion > bonding pair versus
bonding pair repulsion
Molecular Geometry
Geometry Type # of Electron Pairs Ideal Bond Angle Examples
linear AB2 2 180 BeCl2
trigonal planar AB3 3 120 BF3
tetrahedral AB4 4 109.5 CH4
trigonal bipyramidal AB5 5 90, 120 PCl5
octohedral AB6 6 90 SF6
bent AB2E 3 120 (119) SO2
trigonal pyramidal AB3E 4 109.5 (107.5) NH3
bent AB2E2 4 109.5 (104.5) H2O
seesaw AB4E 5 180,120 (173.1,101.6) SF4
T-shape AB3E2 5 90,180 (87.5,<180) ClF3
linear AB2E3 5 180 XeF2
square pyramidal AB5E 6 90 (84.8) BrF5
square planar AB4E2 6 90 XeF4