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Electron Domains Electron-Domain Geometry Predicted Bond Angle(s) Hybridization of Central Atom Molecular Geometry 0 Lone Pair 1 Lone Pair 2 Lone Pair 2 Linear 180º sp Linear 3 Trigonal Planar 120º sp2 Trigonal Planar Bent 4 Tetrahedral 109.5º ...
Molecular Geometry Chart # of Electron Groups Number of Lone Pairs Electron Pair Arrangement Molecular Geometry Approximate Bond Angles 2 0 linear 180° 0 trigonal planar 120° 1 3 bent <20° 0 tetrahedral 109.5° 1 trigonal pyramid 4 <109.5° (~107°) 2 bent <109.5°(~105°) 0 trigonal bipyramidal 9 0°,12 1 see-saw <9 0°,<12
From the BP and LP interactions we can predict both the relative positions of the atoms and the angles between the bonds, called the bond angles. Using this information, we can describe the molecular geometry, the arrangement of the bonded atoms in a molecule or polyatomic ion. This VESPR procedure is summarized as follows:
Determine the electron domain geometry, molecular geometry, and bond angles. The chart below shows 3-dimensional representations of Lewis structures given the number
VSEPR is short for "Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion," a chemical theory originally developed by R. Gillespie and R. Nyholm for forecasting the shapes of molecules based on the amount of electron pairs circling a central atom. A VSEPR Chart PDF version can be downloaded through the link below. Alternate Name: Molecular Shape Chart.
Using the VSEPR Chart to Determine Shape and Bond Angle. To use a VSEPR table, first determine the coordination number or number of electron pairs. Count the valence electrons of the central atom. Add an electron for each bonding atom.
Explore our table of common electron geometries with bonding domains, bond angles, and formulas. Lone pairs repel other electron domains more than bonds do (~2.5° per lone pair). For example: H-C-H angle ~ 109.5°. H-N-H angle ~ 107°. H-O-H angle ~ 104.5°. A molecule will be non-polar if all dipoles cancel out, otherwise, it will be polar.
