VSEPR theory

The shape of a molecule or ion is determined by the repulsion between the electron pairs surrounding the central atom.

Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory

- Only the electron pairs arranged around the central atom in a covalent molecule need to be considered

- Pairs of electrons repel each other and move as far apart as possible

- Lone pair-lone pair repulsion is greater than lone pair-bonding pair repulsion which is greater than bonding pair- bonding pair repulsion

- The actual shape of species is determined by the atoms attached round the central atom (and influenced by the lone pairs of electrons)

- All bonds - single bonds, double bonds and triple bonds - take up the same space.

This short article about chemistry can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.

VSEPR Theory Media

Example of bent electron arrangement (water molecule). Shows location of unpaired electrons, bonded atoms, and bond angles. The bond angle for water is 104.5°.
Sulfur tetrafluoride has a steric number of 5.
AX2E0-2D.svg

Linear molecule
Trigonal planar molecular geometry
Bent molecular geometry
Тетраэдрическая конфигурация молекул
Trigonal pyramidal
Bent molecular geometry
AX5E0-2D.svg

Trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry
AX4E1-2D.png

AXED