Molecular

Geometry
 9.1 Molecular Geometry
• Molecular geometry is the three-
dimensional shape of a molecule.

CCl4

• Geometry can be predicted using

– Lewis dot structures
– VSEPR model
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• Molecules of the type ABx will be
considered
– A is the central atom
– B atoms surround the central atom
– x commonly has integer values from 1 to 6
– Examples:
All AB1 molecules are linear.

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AB2

AB3

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• VSEPR Model: Valence-Shell Electron-
Pair Repulsion Model
− Electron pairs move as far apart as possible to
minimize repulsions.

− Electron domain is a lone pair or a bond

(the bond may be single, double, or triple).
− Strategy to predict geometry:

Lewis Electron-domain Molecular

structure geometry geometry

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• Steps to determine Geometry
−Step #1: Draw the molecule’s Lewis structure.
−Step #2: Count the number of electron domains on
the central atom.
−Step #3: Determine the electron-domain geometry.
• The electron-domain geometry is based on the
number of electron domains around the central
atom.
Examples : –
:O: –

:
: :

:
:
:
: :

H – C  N: :F – Xe – F:
:O – N = O:

:
:
2 3 5

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 • Electron domains and geometry
Number of
Electron-Domain Geometry
Electron Domains

2 Linear • BeF2

3 Trigonal planar • AlCl3

4 Tetrahedral • CH4

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 Number of
Electron-Domain Geometry
Electron Domains

5 Trigonal bipyramidal
• PF5

6 Octahedral • SF6

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 Hybrid
Orbitals
Once you know the
number of things
around an atom,
you know the
hybridization state
of the atom if you
can count letters up
to six.