VSEPR Theory

Common VSEPR shapes

  1. Linear - sp hybrid (sym)

  2. Trigonal Planar - sp² hybrid (sym)

  3. Tetrahedral - sp³ hybrid (sym)

  4. Trigonal Bipyramid - sp³d hybrid (sym)

  5. Octahedral - sp³d² hybrid (sym)

If the orbital geometry is symmetrical, it is nonpolar.

If the orbital geometry is asymmetrical, it is polar.

Sequence for determining hybrid orbitals

S-1 P-2 P-3 P-4 D-5 D-6 D-7 D-8 D-9