1. Geometry of Molecules VSEPR Theory

2. Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) The geometry of the molecule at any given central atom is determined by the repulsions of both bonding and nonbonding (lone pair) electrons in the valence shell. The geometry of the molecule at any given central atom is determined by the repulsions of both bonding and nonbonding (lone pair) electrons in the valence shell.

3. Hybridization When atoms join to form molecules, the electron density regions change. When atoms join to form molecules, the electron density regions change.

4. Hybridization The process of mixing different orbitals of the same atom to form a new set of equivalent orbitals is termed hybridization. The process of mixing different orbitals of the same atom to form a new set of equivalent orbitals is termed hybridization. The shape of the molecule depends of the number of electron pairs on the central atom and the orientation of the hybrid orbitals. The shape of the molecule depends of the number of electron pairs on the central atom and the orientation of the hybrid orbitals.

5. VSEPR Shapes expected for different numbers of electron pairs

6. Two Pairs of Electrons BeH 2 Linear molecule There are two pairs of electrons on the central atom, beryllium. sp hybrid

7. Linear Molecule

8. Three Pairs of Electrons BCl 3 Planar triangular, 120 o sp 2 hybrid There are three pairs of electrons on the central atom, boron.

9. Planar Triangular Molecule

10. Hybrid Orbitals

11. Four Pairs of Electrons CH 4 Tetrahedral, 109.5 o There are four pairs of electrons on the central atom, carbon. sp 3 hybrid

12. Tetrahedral Molecule

13. Organic Compounds A huge number of the compounds that exist on Earth are carbon-containing compounds that have the tetrahedral shape around each carbon atom. A huge number of the compounds that exist on Earth are carbon-containing compounds that have the tetrahedral shape around each carbon atom.

14. Four Pairs of Electrons Molecular shapes with four electron pairs around the central atom.

15. Five Pairs of Electrons PCl 5 Trigonal bipyramidal 90 o and 120 o 90 o and 120 o sp 3 d hybrid sp 3 d hybrid

16. sp3d and sp3d2 Hybrid Orbitals

17. Six Pairs of Electrons SF 6 Octahedral, 90 o sp 3 d 2 hybrid sp 3 d 2 hybrid

18. VSEPR Theory Molecular geometry affects the characteristics of all compounds. Molecular geometry affects the characteristics of all compounds. Learn more with the VESPR Molecular Model Kit