The content discusses the shapes of molecules based on the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory. According to VSEPR, electron pairs repel each other, leading to specific molecular shapes that minimize these repulsive forces. The theory emphasizes that different types of electron pai...
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Shapes of Molecules
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VSEPR Theory
The valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) predicts the shape and bond angles of
molecules
Electrons are negatively charged and will repel other electrons when close to each other
In a molecule, the bonding pair of electrons will repel other electrons around the central atom forcing
the molecule to adopt a shape in which these repulsive forces are minimised
When determining the shape and bond angles of a molecule, the following VSEPR rules should be
considered:
Valence shell electrons are those electrons that are found in the outer shell
Electron pairs repel each other as they have similar charges
Lone pair electrons repel each other more than bonded pairs
Repulsion between multiple and single bonds is treated the same as for repulsion between single
bonds
Repulsion between pairs of double bonds are greater
The most stable shape is adopted to minimize the repulsion forces
Different types of electron pairs have different repulsive forces
Lone pairs of electrons have a more concentrated electron charge cloud than bonding pairs of
electrons
The cloud charges are wider and closer to the central atom’s nucleus
The order of repulsion is therefore: lone pair – lone pair > lone pair – bond pair > bond pair – bond
pair
Repulsion between different types of electron pairs
Different types of electron pairs have different repulsive forces
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