Molecular Geometry and Bonding

Molecular Geometry Overview

Fundamental Concepts

• Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Geometric Arrangements and Bonding

Linear Geometry

• Bonds: 2 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs
• Example: CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Trigonal Planar Geometry

• Arrangement 1:
  • Bonds: 3 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs
  • Example: BF3 (Boron Trifluoride)
• Arrangement 2:
  • Bonds: 2 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair
  • Example: SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)
  • Shape: Bent

Tetrahedral Geometry

• Arrangement 1:
  • Bonds: 4 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs
  • Example: CH4 (Methane)
• Arrangement 2:
  • Bonds: 3 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair
  • Example: NH3 (Ammonia)
  • Shape: Trigonal Pyramidal
• Arrangement 3:
  • Bonds: 2 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs
  • Example: H2O (Water)
  • Shape: Bent

Trigonal Bipyramidal Geometry

• Arrangement 1:
  • Bonds: 5 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs
  • Example: PCl5 (Phosphorus Pentachloride)
• Arrangement 2:
  • Bonds: 4 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair
  • Example: SF4 (Sulfur Tetrafluoride)
  • Shape: Seesaw
• Arrangement 3:
  • Bonds: 3 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs
  • Example: ClF3 (Chlorine Trifluoride)
  • Shape: T-shaped

Octahedral Geometry

• Arrangement 1:
  • Bonds: 6 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs
  • Example: SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride)
• Arrangement 2:
  • Bonds: 5 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair
  • Example: BrF5 (Bromine Pentafluoride)
  • Shape: Square Pyramidal
• Arrangement 3:
  • Bonds: 4 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs
  • Example: XeF4 (Xenon Tetrafluoride)
  • Shape: Square Planar