Lesson 3.4 - Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) Electron pairs repel as much as possible in 3-dimensional space. Theory used to predict shapes of molecules.
To determine the shape of a molecule, we distinguish between lone pairs (or non-bonding pairs, those not in a bond) of electrons and bonding pairs (those found between two atoms). The electrons adopt an arrangement in space to minimize e--e- repulsion.
Examples – Draw the Lewis structures, and then determine the orbital geometry of each: H2S CO2 PCl3 CH4 SO2
Covalent Bond – An attraction between two atoms caused by the sharing of a pair of electrons between two atoms. Polar Covalent – A covalent bond in which electrons are shared unequally. Nonpolar covalent – electrons are shared equally. SYMMETRICAL arrangement of valence electrons.
> 1.5 Ionic 0.5-1.5 Polar covalent < 0.5 Nonpolar covalent Electronegativity – The tendency of an atom in a bond to attract shared electrons to itself. Look at electronegativity difference to determine bond type: EN Difference Bond Type > 1.5 Ionic 0.5-1.5 Polar covalent < 0.5 Nonpolar covalent
Partially Positive Partially Negative
Polar Molecule – A molecule in which valence electrons (bonds and unshared pairs of electrons) are not equally distributed (asymmetrical) To be polar, a molecule must: 1. contain polar covalent bonds 2. be asymmetrical
Examples – Is each molecule polar or nonpolar? CO2 H2S CCl4 NBr3