• The shape of covalent bonded molecules is determined by the number of valence shell electrons (lone pair and bonding) around the central atom

• Each electron pair is positioned as far as possible from each other to minimize the force of repulsion

• Lone pair electrons have the greatest repulsion and will spread farther apart than bonding pairs of electrons.

To Determine VSEPR shape:

• Draw the lewis structure

• Determine the total number of bonding pair and lone pairs around the central atom

• “AXE” number:

  • A - central atom

  • X - “eXtra” atoms bonded to it

  • E - lone pairs around the central atom