9.1 VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry

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    VSEPR Theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion)

    Electron
    Domains
    Electron Domain
    Geometry
    Bond
    Angles
    Hybridization of
    Central Atom
    2 Linear 180° sp
    3 Trigonal Planar 120° sp2
    4 Tetrahedral 109.5° sp3
    5 Trigonal Bipyramidal 90°, 120°, 180° sp3d
    6 Octahedral 90°, 180° sp3d2
    TABLE OF MOLECULAR GEOMETRIES
    Electron
    Domains
    No lone pairs 1 lone pair 2 lone pair 3 lone pair 4 lone pair
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6

    Lone pairs of electrons typically reduce bond angles slightly.

    2 Electron Domains (EDG = Linear)

    BeCl2 linear
    HCN linear
    CO2 linear

    3 Electron Domains (EDG = Trigonal Planar)

    BCl3 trigonal planar
    CH2O trigonal planar

    4 Electron Domains (EDG = Tetrahedral)

    CH4 tetrahedral
    NH3 trigonal pyramidal
    H2O bent

    5 Electron Domains (EDG = Trigonal Bipyramidal)

    PCl5 trigonal bipyramidal
    SF4 see saw
    ICl3 T-shaped
    XeF2 Linear

    6 Electron Domains (EDG = Octahedral)

    SF6 octahedral
    IF5 square pyramidal
    XeF4 square planar