MOLECULAR GEOMETRY

VSEPR
Valence – Shell Electron Pair
Repulsion
Molecular Geometry
Is the three – dimensional
arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
• VSEPR – A model that accounts for the
geometrical arrangements of shared and
unshared electron pairs around a central atom
in terms of the repulsions between electron
pairs.
Two general rules:
• Double bonds and triple bonds can be treated
like single bonds. This approximation is good
for qualitative purposes. However, you should
realize that in reality multiple bonds are
“larger” than single bonds; that is, because
there are two or three bonds between two
atoms, the electron density occupies more
space.
• If a model has two or more resonance
structures. We can apply the VSEPR model to
any one of them. Formal charges are usually
not shown.
• The table below summarizes the molecular
and electron-pair geometries for different
combinations of bonding groups and
nonbonding pairs of electrons on the central
atom.
Sigma () bond
When two atomic orbitals of sigma symmetry
(not necessarily s orbitals) combine, they form a
sigma bond. An orbital of sigma symmetry is
defined as having electron density along the axis
that connects the nuclei of the bonding atoms.
Some of the most common combinations of
orbitals resulting in sigma bonds are ss, spx, pxpx,
and hybrid sp1-3 orbitals.
Covalent Bonding

Sigma Bond

Formation of sigma bond between p orbitals

Covalent Bonding

Sigma Bond
Covalent Bonding

Sigma Bond
Pi ()bond
When two atomic orbitals of pi symmetry (not
necessarily p orbitals) combine, they form a pi bond. An
orbital of pi symmetry is defined as having electron
density above and below a node through the nuclei of
the bonding atoms. Single covalent bonds are sigma
bonds, while multiple bonds (double, triple) consist of
one sigma bond and the remainder of.
Covalent Bonding

Pi Bond
Covalent Bonding
Pi Bond
Covalent Bonding

Pi Bond