VSEPR — Molecular Geometries
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory |
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Violet dashed line = lone pair (E)
| General Formula | Example | Electron-Group Geometry | Molecular Geometry | 3D Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Electron Groups | ||||
| AX2 | CO2 | Linear | Linear (180°) | |
| 3 Electron Groups | ||||
| AX3 | BF3 | Trigonal planar | Trigonal planar (120°) | |
| AX2E | SO2 | Trigonal planar | Bent (~119°) | |
| 4 Electron Groups | ||||
| AX4 | CH4 | Tetrahedral | Tetrahedral (109.5°) | |
| AX3E | NH3 | Tetrahedral | Trigonal pyramidal (~107°) | |
| AX2E2 | H2O | Tetrahedral | Bent (~104.5°) | |
| 5 Electron Groups | ||||
| AX5 | PCl5 | Trigonal bipyramidal | Trigonal bipyramidal | |
| AX4E | SF4 | Trigonal bipyramidal | See-saw (~102°/173°) | |
| AX3E2 | ClF3 | Trigonal bipyramidal | T-shaped (~87°) | |
| AX2E3 | XeF2 | Trigonal bipyramidal | Linear (180°) | |
| 6 Electron Groups | ||||
| AX6 | SF6 | Octahedral | Octahedral (90°) | |
| AX5E | BrF5 | Octahedral | Square pyramidal (~85°) | |
| AX4E2 | XeF4 | Octahedral | Square planar (90°) | |