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VSEPR Theory: Geometry and Electron Groups

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts the geometry of covalent molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs around a central atom. It states that electron pairs will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsion by maximizing the distance between them. The theory explains that a molecule's shape depends on the number of electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom, with geometries becoming more distorted as the number of different atoms or lone pairs increases due to differing repulsion between pair types. VSEPR theory is applied by first drawing a Lewis structure to identify electron groups, then determining the group geometry based on their number.

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73 views1 page

VSEPR Theory: Geometry and Electron Groups

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts the geometry of covalent molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs around a central atom. It states that electron pairs will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsion by maximizing the distance between them. The theory explains that a molecule's shape depends on the number of electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom, with geometries becoming more distorted as the number of different atoms or lone pairs increases due to differing repulsion between pair types. VSEPR theory is applied by first drawing a Lewis structure to identify electron groups, then determining the group geometry based on their number.

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Gobinda
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VSEPR THEORY (VALENCE SHELL ELECTRON PAIR REPULSION)

The definite arrangement of the bonded atoms with the central atom in a molecule is known as shape or
geometry of the molecule. The first theory which predicts the geometry or shape of a covelent molecule is the
VSEPR theory proposed by Sedgwick and Powell in 1940 and developed by Nyholm and Gillespie.
In a polyatomic molecule the direction of bond around the central atom depends upon the total number of
electron pair in its valence shell. The electron pairs are placed themselves as far apart as possible in space to
attain a stable geometry . The main postulates of VSEPR theory are as follows-
(1) The shape of a molecule depends on the electron pairs (bonded and non-bonded) in valence shell of the central
atom because these electron pair repel each other due to similar charge cloud.
(2) The position of the electron pairs in space around the central atom are arranged in such a way that the repulsion
energy is minimum and the distance between them is maximum.
(3) The central atom contains two types electron pairs (bonded and non-bonded). The magnitude of the electronic
repulsion is the order LP-LP>LP-BP>BP-BP
(4) The electronic repulsion between two pairs of electron will be minimum if they are as for apart as possible.
(5) It the central atom is linked to similar atoms surrounded by bond pair of electrons , then the molecule is
symmetrical & has a regular geometry .If the central atom contain different types of surrounding atoms or
groups & lone pairs of electrons , then the molecule is an unsymmetrical molecule & has a irregular or distorted
geometry.
(6) A multiple bond is treated as a single electron pair.
(7) When two or more resonance structure can represent molecule , the VSEPR model is applicable to any such
structure.

Strategy for applying VSEPR theory

[Link] the Lewis structure.


[Link] the number of electron group around the oriental atoms.
[Link] the electron group geometry.

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