Basic Molecular Geometry and VSEPR Theory

Molecular geometry shapes, bond angles, and lone pair counts based on Steric Numbers 2 through 6.

Linear (Steric Number 2)

Molecular geometry with $0$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $180^{\circ}$.

Trigonal Planar

Molecular geometry for steric number $3$ with $0$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $120^{\circ}$.

Bent or Angular (Steric Number 3)

Molecular geometry for steric number $3$ with $1$ lone pair and a bond angle of $<120^{\circ}$.

Tetrahedral

Molecular geometry for steric number $4$ with $0$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $109^{\circ}$.

Trigonal Pyramid

Molecular geometry for steric number $4$ with $1$ lone pair and a bond angle of $<109^{\circ}$.

Bent or Angular (Steric Number 4)

Molecular geometry for steric number $4$ with $2$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $<<109^{\circ}$.

Trigonal Bipyramid

Molecular geometry for steric number $5$ with $0$ lone pairs and bond angles of $90^{\circ}$, $120^{\circ}$, and $180^{\circ}$.

Sawhorse or Seesaw

Molecular geometry for steric number $5$ with $1$ lone pair and bond angles of $<90^{\circ}$ and $<120^{\circ}$.

T-shape (Steric Number 5)

Molecular geometry for steric number $5$ with $2$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $<90^{\circ}$.

Linear (Steric Number 5)

Molecular geometry for steric number $5$ with $3$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $180^{\circ}$.

Octahedral

Molecular geometry for steric number $6$ with $0$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $90^{\circ}$.

Square Pyramid

Molecular geometry for steric number $6$ with $1$ lone pair and a bond angle of $<90^{\circ}$.

Square Planar

Molecular geometry for steric number $6$ with $2$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $90^{\circ}$.

T-shape (Steric Number 6)

Molecular geometry for steric number $6$ with $3$ lone pairs.

Linear (Steric Number 6)

Molecular geometry for steric number $6$ with $4$ lone pairs and a bond angle of $180^{\circ}$.