1. Molecular Geometry and Polarity
Part H: VSEPR Theory – Molecular Polarity
Dr. Chin Chu
River Dell Regional High School

2. Polarity of Individual Bond:

3. Polarity of a Whole Molecule:
Determine polarity of individual bond. If each bond is nonpolar covalent, the whole molecule is nonpolar.
If individual bonds are polar, then obtain the proper molecular geometry using VSEPR theory.
Add each polar bonds up in 3D space. Treat each polar bond as a vector with arrow pointing from the element with lower electronegativity towards the one with higher electronegativity. The length of the arrow indicating the magnitude of the separation of shared valence electrons.
If the net polarity of individual bonds is not zero, the molecule is polar. If the net polarity is zero, the molecule is nonpolar.

4. 2 Electron Groups
Linear

5. 3 Electron Groups
Trigonal Planar

6. 3 Electron Groups
Bent

7. 4 Electron Groups
Tetrahedral

8. 4 Electron Groups
Trigonal Pyramid
Bent

9. 5 Electron Groups
Trigonal Bipyramid

10. 5 Electron Groups
See-saw
T-shaped
Bent

11. 6 Electron Groups
Octahedral

12. 6 Electron Groups
Square Pyramid
Square Planar

13. Examples:

14. Examples:

15. Examples: