MOLECULAR GEOMETRY Bonding Unit
Molecule adopts the shape that minimizes the electron pair repulsions. MOLECULAR GEOMETRY VSEPR Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory. Molecule adopts the shape that minimizes the electron pair repulsions.
Some Common Geometries Linear Trigonal Planar Tetrahedral
Steps for Predicting Molecular structure using the VSEPR Model Draw the Lewis structure. Count the electron pairs and arrange them in a way to reduce repulsion. Determine the positions of the atoms from the way the electrons pairs are shared. Determine the name of the molecular structure from the position of the atoms.
Rules for Predicting Molecular Structure using the VSEPR Model 2 pairs of electrons on a central atom in a molecule are always placed 180o apart (linear). Three pairs of electrons on a central atom in a molecule are always placed 120o apart on the same plane as the central atom (Trigonal Planar). Four pairs of electrons on a central atom in a molecule are always placed 109.5o apart (tetrahedral).
Rules for Predicting Molecular Structure using the VSEPR Model When every pair of electrons on the central atom is shared with another atom, the molecular structure has the same name as the arrangement of the electron pairs. Number of Pairs Name of Arrangement 2 Linear 3 Trigonal Planar 4 tetrahedral
Rules for Predicting Molecular Structure using the VSEPR Model When one or more of the electron pairs around a central atom are lone pairs, the name for the molecular geometry is different from the arrangement of electron pairs.
Structure Determination by VSEPR Water, H2O The electron pair geometry is TETRAHEDRAL 2 bond pairs 2 lone pairs The molecular geometry is BENT.
Water, H2O Electron Arrangement= Tetrahedral Molecular Geometry= Bent
Methane, CH4 Electron Arrangement= Tetrahedral Molecular Geometry= Tetrahedral
Ammonia, NH3 Electron Arrangement= Tetrahedral Molecular Geometry= Trigonal Pyramid