General Chemistry I - Molecular Geometry Review

These flashcards cover key concepts about molecular geometry from the General Chemistry I lecture notes.

What are Electron Domains in molecular geometry?

Electron Domains (or Electron groups) refer to the number of lone pairs or bond locations around a particular atom in a molecule.

What does the VSEPR model stand for?

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion model.

What does the VSEPR model state about electron pairs?

Electron pairs, whether bonding or nonbonding, repel each other and are placed as far as possible from each other to minimize repulsion.

List the types of molecular geometry according to the VSEPR model.

Linear, Trigonal planar, Tetrahedral, Trigonal bipyramidal, Octahedral.

What is the bond angle associated with a tetrahedral molecular geometry?

109.5°.

In a linear electron domain, what is the molecular geometry?

Linear.

How do nonbonding pairs affect bond angles?

Nonbonding pairs are physically larger than bonding pairs, leading to greater repulsions that compress bond angles.

How do multiple bonds affect bond angles compared to single bonds?

Multiple bonds have larger electron domains and exert a greater repulsive force, which can make bond angles greater.

What is the electron domain arrangement for five electron domains?

Trigonal bipyramidal.

What is the electron domain arrangement for six electron domains?

Octahedral.

What impact do lone pairs have in trigonal bipyramidal geometry?

Lone pairs occupy equatorial positions in trigonal bipyramidal geometry.

How should one analyze larger molecules regarding their shape?

Look at the geometry about each atom rather than the molecule as a whole.