Compounds and Their Bonds

Shapes and Polarity of Molecules

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VSEPR
In the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion theory
(VSEPR), the electron groups around a central atom
 are arranged as far apart from each other as
possible
 have the least amount of repulsion of the
negatively charged electrons
 have a geometry around the central atom that
determines molecular shape

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Shapes of Molecules
The three-dimensional shape of a molecule
 is the result of bonded groups and lone pairs of
electrons around the central atom
 is predicted using the VSEPR theory (valence-shell-
electron-pair repulsion)

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Guide to Predicting Molecular
Shape (VSEPR Theory)

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Polar Molecules
A polar molecule
 contains polar bonds (determined using electronegativity of the atoms in the bond) 0.4
<EN< 1.7
 has a separation of positive and negative charge
called a dipole, indicated with + and –
 has dipoles that do not cancel
+ – ••
H–Cl H—N—H
dipole
H
dipoles do not cancel

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Nonpolar Molecules
A nonpolar molecule
 contains nonpolar bonds
Cl–Cl H–H

 or has a symmetrical arrangement of polar bonds

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Determining Molecular Polarity
Determine the polarity of the H2O molecule.
Process:
Determine shape of molecule using VSEPR (focus on symmetry)
Determine polarity of the bonds (EN)
Calculate net dipole

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Learning Check
Determine the shape of each of the following
molecules and whether they are polar or nonpolar.
Explain.
A. PBr3
B. HBr
C. Br2
D. SiBr4

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Solution
A) pyramidal; dipoles don’t cancel; polar
B) linear; one polar bond (dipole); polar
C) linear; nonpolar bond; nonpolar
D) tetrahedral; dipoles cancel; nonpolar

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Summary
 A molecule will be polar if it is asymmetrical
AND contains polar bonds.
 A molecule will be non-polar if it is
asymmetrical BUT contains non-polar
bonds.
 A molecule will be non-polar if it is
symmetrical, regardless of bond type.

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What Good is This??
 The polarity of a molecule will tell you a lot
about properties such as solubility,
boiling/melting points, etc. when you
compare it to other similar molecules.

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VSEPR Theory and Polarity
 Complete the worksheet from yesterday by
determining if the molecules/ions are polar or
non-polar.
 Read section 4.5
 Attempt some problems from the electronic
problem set. (see unit page)
 Complete Page 227 #1-3

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