DESCRIBING THE

GEOMETRY OF
SIMPLE COMPOUNDS
 WHAT IS THE GEOMETRY OF A
MOLECULE?
•Molecular geometry is the three-dimensional arrangement of
the atoms that constitute a molecule. It gives information about
the general shape of the molecule as well as bond lengths,
bond angles, torsional angles and any other geometrical
parameters that determine the position of each atom.
•Molecular geometry, also known as the molecular
structure, Understanding the molecular structure of a
compound can help determine the polarity, reactivity, phase of
matter, color, magnetism, as well as the biological activity.
• Molecular geometry is the 3-
dimensional shape that a molecule
occupies in space. It is determined
by the central atom and the
surrounding atoms and electron
pairs. The shape of most molecules
can be predicted using the Valence
Shell Electron Pair Repulsion
(VSEPR) method.
 WHAT IS THE VSEPR METHOD?

• The valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR)

theory is a model used to predict 3-D molecular
geometry based on the number of valence shell
electron bond pairs among the atoms in a
molecule or ion. This model assumes that electron
pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion
effects from one another.
 HOW DO YOU USE THE VSEPR METHOD?
• VSEPR Rules:
• 1. Identify the central atom
• 2. Count its valence electrons
• 3. Add one electron for each bonding atom
• 4. Add or subtract electrons for charge (see Top Tip)
• 5. Divide the total of these by 2 to find the total number of
electron pairs
• 6. Use this number to predict the shape