Molecular Hybridization and VSEPR Geometries

Vocabulary flashcards covering hybridization states, steric numbers, electron group geometries, lone pair arrangements, and bond angles based on VSEPR theory.

$sp$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $2$ electron groups, characterized by a linear geometry and a bond angle of $180^\circ$.

$sp^2$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $3$ electron groups, characterized by a trigonal planar basic geometry and a bond angle of $120^\circ$.

$sp^3$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $4$ electron groups, characterized by a tetrahedral basic geometry and a bond angle of $109.5^\circ$ (or $109^\circ$).

$sp^3d$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $5$ electron groups, characterized by a trigonal bipyramidal basic geometry and bond angles of $90^\circ$, $120^\circ$, and $180^\circ$.

$sp^3d^2$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $6$ electron groups, characterized by an octahedral basic geometry and bond angles of $90^\circ$ and $180^\circ$.

$sp^3d^3$ Hybridization

A hybridization scheme corresponding to a steric number of $7$ electron groups, characterized by a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry and bond angles of $72^\circ$ and $90^\circ$.

Steric Number / Electron Groups

The total number of electron domains—comprising bonding groups and lone pairs—surrounding a central atom.

Bent or Angular (Steric Number $3$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $3$ containing $1$ lone pair, with a bond angle of $< 120^\circ$.

Trigonal Pyramid

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $4$ containing $1$ lone pair, with a bond angle of $< 109^\circ$.

Bent or Angular (Steric Number $4$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $4$ containing $2$ lone pairs, with a bond angle of $<< 109^\circ$.

Sawhorse or Seesaw

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $5$ containing $1$ lone pair, with bond angles of $< 90^\circ$ and $< 120^\circ$.

T-shape (Steric Number $5$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $5$ containing $2$ lone pairs, with a bond angle of $< 90^\circ$.

Linear Geometry (Steric Number $5$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry formed when a central atom has a steric number of $5$ with $3$ lone pairs, resulting in a bond angle of $180^\circ$.

Square Pyramid

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $6$ containing $1$ lone pair, with a bond angle of $< 90^\circ$.

Square Planar

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $6$ containing $2$ lone pairs, with a bond angle of $90^\circ$.

T-shape (Steric Number $6$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry of a molecule with a steric number of $6$ containing $3$ lone pairs, with a bond angle of $< 90^\circ$.

Linear Geometry (Steric Number $6$)

The VSEPR molecular geometry formed when a central atom has a steric number of $6$ with $4$ lone pairs, resulting in a bond angle of $180^\circ$.

Pentagonal Bipyramidal

The geometry characterized by a steric number of $7$ ($sp^3d^3$ hybridization) with $0$ lone pairs, featuring bond angles of $72^\circ$ and $90^\circ$.