VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry Overview

VSEPR Model

Predicts molecular shape by minimizing electron repulsion.

Linear Geometry

Molecule shape with two bonded atoms, 180° angle.

Trigonal Planar Geometry

Three bonded atoms, 120° bond angles.

Tetrahedral Geometry

Four bonded atoms, 109.5° bond angles.

Trigonal Bipyramidal

Five bonded atoms, 90° and 120° angles.

Octahedral Geometry

Six bonded atoms, 90° bond angles.

Lone Pair

Non-bonding electrons affecting molecular shape.

Bond Angle Distortion

Lone pairs reduce bond angles between atoms.

Hybridization

Mixing orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals.

sp Hybrid Orbitals

One s and one p orbital hybridize.

sp2 Hybrid Orbitals

One s and two p orbitals hybridize.

sp3 Hybrid Orbitals

One s and three p orbitals hybridize.

VSEPR - AXE Method

A: central atom, X: bonded atoms, E: lone pairs.

Steric Number

Sum of bonded atoms and lone pairs.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outer shell available for bonding.

Octet Rule

Atoms prefer to have eight electrons in outer shell.

Expanded Octet

More than eight electrons in the valence shell.

Ionic Compounds

Formed by the attraction of cations and anions.

Covalent Molecules

Atoms share electrons to achieve full outer shells.

Cation

Positively charged ion from lost electrons.

Anion

Negatively charged ion from gained electrons.

Placement Rules

Guidelines for arranging atoms in molecular structures.

Symmetry in Molecules

Balanced arrangement of atoms for stability.

Lewis Structures

Diagrams showing valence electrons and bonds.