VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

Theory determining molecular shape based on electron repulsion in bonds and unshared pairs.

Valence electrons

Electrons in unshared pairs or shared in covalent bonds.

Lewis structure

2D representation of a molecule's structure.

VSEPR shape

3D shape of a molecule with electron clouds far apart.

Tetrahedral sp³

VSEPR shape with 4 electron clouds, 4 bond atoms, and 0 lone pairs.

Trigonal Pyramidal sp³

VSEPR shape with 4 electron clouds, 3 bond atoms, and 1 lone pair.

Bent sp³

VSEPR shape with 4 electron clouds, 2 bond atoms, and 2 lone pairs.

Trigonal Planar sp²

VSEPR shape with 3 electron clouds, 3 bond atoms, and 0 lone pairs.

Bent sp²

Linear sp

VSEPR shape with 2 electron clouds, 2 bond atoms, and 0 lone pairs.

Octahedral d²sp³

VSEPR shape with 6 electron clouds, 6 bond atoms, and 0 lone pairs.

Square Pyramidal d²sp³

VSEPR shape with 6 electron clouds, 5 bond atoms, and 1 lone pair.

Square Planar d²sp³

VSEPR shape with 6 electron clouds, 4 bond atoms, and 2 lone pairs.

T-Shaped d²sp³

VSEPR shape with 6 electron clouds, 3 bond atoms, and 3 lone pairs.

Linear d²sp³

VSEPR shape with 6 electron clouds, 2 bond atoms, and 4 lone pairs.

Trigonal Bipyramidal dsp³

VSEPR shape with 5 electron clouds, 5 bond atoms, and 0 lone pairs.

Seesaw dsp³

VSEPR shape with 5 electron clouds, 4 bond atoms, and 1 lone pair.

T-Shaped dsp³

VSEPR shape with 5 electron clouds, 3 bond atoms, and 2 lone pairs.

Linear dsp³

VSEPR shape with 5 electron clouds, 2 bond atoms, and 3 lone pairs.