Molecular shapes
Learning objectives Apply VSEPR to predict electronic geometry and shapes of simple molecules
Valence shell electron pair repulsion Lewis dot structure provides 2D sketch of the distribution of the valence electrons among bonds between atoms and lone pairs; it provides no information about molecular shape First approach to this problem is to consider repulsion between groups of electrons (charge clouds)
Electron groups (clouds) minimize potential energy Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) Identify all groups of charge: non-bonding pairs or bonds (multiples count as one) Bonded atoms – single, double or triple count as 1 Lone pairs count as 1 Distribute them about central atom to minimize potential energy (maximum separation)
Total number of groups dictates electronic geometry Octet rule: Two – linear Three – trigonal planar Four – tetrahedral
Three groups: trigonal planar Two possibilities for central atoms with complete octets: Trigonal planar (H2CO) Bent (SO2) BCl3 provides example of trigonal planar with three single bonds B is satisfied with 6 electrons
Four groups: tetrahedral Three possibilities: No lone pairs (CH4) - tetrahedral One lone pair (NH3) – trigonal pyramid Two lone pairs (H2O) – bent Note: H-N-H angle 107° H-O-H angle 104.5° Tetrahedral angle 109.5°
Representations of the tetrahedron
Groups of charge Lone electron pairs Electronic geometry Molecular shape 2 Linear 3 Trigonal planar 1 Bent 4 Tetrahedral Trigonal pyramid
Two bonds Equal bonds oppose (linear) Unequal bonds oppose (linear) Nonpolar (CO2) Unequal bonds oppose (linear) Polar (HCN) Equal bonds do not oppose (bent) Polar (H2O)
Three bonds Equal bonds oppose in trigonal planar arrangement Nonpolar Unequal bonds in trigonal planar arrangement Polar