VSEPR Molecular Geometry

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory

Level 3 / Area 2 / Section 5 / VSEPR Theory

Common VSEPR Geometry

Bond Geometry is based on electron domains

To determine a compound's geometry, we must look at three things:
- The number of electron domains (how many electron pair sites around the central atom; either 2, 3, or 4)
- The number of bonding groups (how many bonded atoms around the central atom)
- The number of lone pair electrons (un-bonded electron pairs around the central atom)

​VSEPR Chart - Use the cart to help answer the following questions

Labelling

Using a 3D model helps visualize the molecular geometry of a compound.

In the image, label the lone pair, the double bond, the single bond, and the central atom.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Lone Pair

Double Bond

Central Atom

Single Bond

Multiple Select

Parent geometries are determined by the electron domains around the central atom; either 2, 3, or 4 domains. Which of the following are considered the three parent (or electron) geometries?

• Linear

• Trigonal Planar

• Tetrahedral

• Octahedral

Match

The molecular geometry of a compound is determined by both the bonding domains and number of lone pair. Match the description below to the molecular geometry of the compound.

• • - 2 electron domains

  • - 2 bonding groups

  - 0 lone pair

• • -3 electron domains

  • - 3 bonding groups

  • - 0 lone pair

• • -3 electron domains

  • - 2 bonding groups

  • - 1 lone pair

• • -4 electron domains

  • - 4 bonding groups

  • - 0 lone pair

• • - 4 electron domains

  • - 3 bonding groups

  • - 1 lone pair

Linear geometry

Trigonal Planar Geometry

Bent Geometry

Tetrahedral Geometry

Trigonal Pyramidal Geometry

• Linear geometry

• Trigonal Planar Geometry

• Bent Geometry

• Tetrahedral Geometry

• Trigonal Pyramidal Geometry