Essential Question
•How is VSEPR Theory used to determine
molecular geometry?
What is VSEPR Theory?
•Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion
Theory
•Predicts molecular geometry (shape)
•Only works for:
•Covalent compounds & polyatomic ions
•Compounds with central atom
Shape Depends On:
•e
-
on central atom only
•# of lone pairs
•# of bonded atoms
•Single, double, & triple bonds have the same
effect (count as one bond)
Atoms
bonded
Lone pair of electrons
2 bonded atoms, no lone
pairs: linear
Double bonds still count
as one bonded atom
Steps to Determine Shape
1.Draw Lewis Dot Structure
2.Count # of lone pairs on central atom
3.Count # of bonded atoms on central atom
4.Determine shape using the VSEPR
Shape Chart
5 Types of Shapes
•The shape of a molecule can be categorized into 5
general shapes.
•1. Linear
•2. Trigonal Planar
•3. Tetrahedral
•4. Trigonal Bipyramidal
•5. Octahedral
•The geometrical shape is the arrangement of the atoms around a
central atom based on the number of atoms, and the amount of
lone pairs, which contribute to the overall shape.
•To represent a 3-D structure on a two dimensional surface, we use solid
lines, dashed lines, and wedges, as seen below.
Line= in the plane of the board
Wedge= coming out of the board
Dashes= going into the board