Molecular Geometry

VSEPR Theory
Molecular Geometry
Electron Domain Geometry
Polarity
 VSEPR THEORY

vWhat is explained by the VSEPR

Theory?
>The best electronic geometry is the one that
minimizes all electron repulsions in the
molecule.
 VSEPR THEORY

vAllow us to predict shapes of molecules

**Electron domains-“regions of high electron
density”
 VSEPR THEORY

Two types of electron domains:

– The bonding pairs form covalent bonds.
– The non-bonding/lone pairs occupy the
same orbital.
**Electron Domain Geometry (EDG) vs
Molecular Geometry (MG)
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

vA-# of central atom

vB-# of surrounding atoms
vE-# of lone or non-bonding pairs in
CENTRAL ATOM
Example:
1. CCl4
2. NH3
3. CO2
4. H2O
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

Let’s start with molecules with one central

atom, two or more surrounding atoms and
NO lone pairs in central atom:
1. AB and AB2-MG and EDG: linear e.g. CO2
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

Let’s start with molecules with one central

atom, two or more surrounding atoms and
NO lone pairs in central atom:
2. AB3-MG and EDG: trigonal planar e.g. BCl3
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

Let’s start with molecules with one central

atom, two or more surrounding atoms and
NO lone pairs in central atom:
3. AB4-MG and EDG: tetrahedral e.g. CCl4
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

Let’s start with molecules with one central

atom, two or more surrounding atoms and
NO lone pairs in central atom:
4. AB5-MG and EDG: trigonal bipyramidal
e.g. PCl5
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

Let’s start with molecules with one central

atom, two or more surrounding atoms and
NO lone pairs in central atom:
5. AB6-MG and EDG: octahedral e.g. SF6
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

How about molecules with one central atom,

two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
1. AB2E-EDG:trigonal planar; MG: bent
e.g. SO2
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

How about molecules with one central atom,

two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
2. AB3E-EDG:tetrahedral; MG: trigonal
pyramidal e.g. NH3
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION
How about molecules with one central atom, two or
more surrounding atoms and at least one lone pairs
in central atom?
3. AB4E-EDG:trigonal bipyramidal; MG: distorted
tetrahedron/ seesaw e.g. SF4
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION
How about molecules with one central atom,
two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
4. AB5E-EDG:Octahedral; MG: Square
Pyramidal e.g. IF5
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

How about molecules with one central atom,

two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
5. AB2E2-EDG:tetrahedral; MG: bent e.g. H2O
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

How about molecules with one central atom,

two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
6. AB2E3-EDG:trigonal bipyramidal; MG:
linear e.g. XeF2
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION

How about molecules with one central atom,

two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
7. AB3E2-EDG:trigonal bipyramidal; MG: t-
shaped e.g. ClF3
 PREDICTING MG USING ABE NOTATION
How about molecules with one central atom,
two or more surrounding atoms and at least
one lone pairs in central atom?
8. AB4E2-EDG:octahedral; MG: square planar
e.g. XeF4