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Steric Number & VSEPR theory

Presentation · September 2022

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30378.08647

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 Steric Number & VSEPR theory
➢ Steric Number
- The Steric number is the total number of atoms directly bonded to a central metal atom and the
number of lone pairs attached.
- Steric number plays an essential role in VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory in
assessing the molecular geometry.
• It plays a vital role in determining the shape of the molecule.
• It also helps in evaluating the final product of organic reactions
Calculation of Steric number
Steric Number = ½ X [(number of valence electron) + (number of monovalent atoms attached to the
central atom) – (cationic charge) + (anionic charge)]
(Monovalent atoms are those atoms which show a valency of 1)
or
Steric Number = (number of lone electron pairs on the central atom) + (number of atoms bonded to the
central atom)
Steric number helps to assess the molecule’s shape.

Steric Number Shape of the molecule

2 Linear
3 Trigonal Planar
4 Tetrahedral
5 Trigonal Bipyramidal
6 Octahedral
7 Pentagonal Bipyramidal

Examples of Steric number

1. Steric Number 2
✓ Carbon dioxide Steric Number → ½ X [4+0-0+0] = 2

2. Steric Number 3
✓ Boron trifluoride Steric Number → ½ X [3+3-0+0] = 3

3. Steric Number 4
✓ For H2O: ½ X [6+2-0+0] = 4; For NH3: ½ X [5+3-0+0] = 4; For CH4: ½ X [4+4-0+0] = 4

4. Steric Number 5
✓ Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) → ½ X [5+5-0+0] = 5

Lecture Notes_Dr. Sumanta Mondal_GITAM (Deemed to be University) Page 1 of 3

 Steric Number & VSEPR theory
➢ Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory
- It is a model used in chemistry to predict the geometry of individual molecules from the number of
electron pairs surrounding their central atoms.
- It is also named the Gillespie-Nyholm theory after its two main developers, Sir Ronald Gillespie
and Sir Ronald Nyholm.

• The VSEPR Theory Postulates

- Nonbinding domains are larger than single bond domains; they are more spread out and occupy
more space in the valence shell than single bond domains. This is understandable because lone
pairs are under the influence of only one positive core rather than two.
- The size of a single bond domain in the valence shell of a central atom decreases with increasing
electronegativity of the ligand.
- Although it is often convenient to think of double and triple bonds as composed of a σ or two π bonds
or two or three bent single bonds, respectively, it is simpler in the electron pair domain model to
consider a double bond as a two-electron pair domain and a triple bond as a three electron pair
domain in which the individual electron pairs are not distinguished. These bond domains increase in
size from a single to a double to a triple bond.

• VSEPR is often explained to beginners as eight simpler postulates:

1) Molecular shape can be determined by the number of electron pairs present.
2) Electron pairs tend to repel one another.
3) Electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize the repulsion between them.
4) The valence or outermost electron shell is assumed to be spherical.
5) Multiple bonds are accounted as single electron pairs, and bonded electron pairs as a single
pair.
6) Lone pair electrons have the maximum repulsion, and bond pair electrons the minimum.
7) All electron pairs assume positions of least repulsion.
8) Repulsive interaction of electron pairs is greatest between lone pairs and least between bond
pairs: bond pair – bond pair < lone pair – bond pair < lone pair – lone pair.

• Limitations of VSEPR Theory:

1) This theory fails to explain isoelectronic species (i.e. elements having the same number of
electrons). The species may vary in shapes despite having the same number of electrons.
2) The VSEPR theory does not shed any light on the compounds of transition metals. The structure
of several such compounds cannot be correctly described by this theory. This is because the
VSEPR theory does not take into account the associated sizes of the substituent groups and the
lone pairs that are inactive.
3) Another limitation of VSEPR theory is that it predicts that halides of group 2 elements will have
a linear structure, whereas their actual structure is a bent one.

Lecture Notes_Dr. Sumanta Mondal_GITAM (Deemed to be University) Page 2 of 3

 Steric Number & VSEPR theory

Lecture Notes_Dr. Sumanta Mondal_GITAM (Deemed to be University) Page 3 of 3

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