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Electron Pairs and Geometry

There is an optimal geometry for every number of electron pairs. The different types of geometry are:

Linear

Linear

  • If the central atom of a molecule has two electron pairs, it will likely adopt a linear geometry.
  • The bond angle will be 180o.
Trigonal planar

Trigonal planar

  • If the central atom of a molecule has three electron pairs, it will likely adopt a trigonal planar geometry.
  • The bond angle will be 120o.
Tetrahedral

Tetrahedral

  • If the central atom of a molecule has four electron pairs, it will likely adopt a tetrahedral geometry.
  • The bond angle will be 109.5o.
Trigonal bipyramidal

Trigonal bipyramidal

  • If the central atom of a molecule has five electron pairs, it will likely adopt a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.
  • Molecules with this shape have two bond angles:
    • A 120o angle around the equator.
    • A 90o angle from equator to apex.
Octahedral

Octahedral

  • If the central atom of a molecule has six electron pairs, it will likely adopt an octahedral geometry.
  • The bond angle will be 90o.
Jump to other topics
1

Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3

Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2

Periodic Trends

3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4

Halogens

3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7

Functional Group Chemistry

3.8

Alkanes

3.9

Alcohols

3.10

Halogenoalkanes

4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6

Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7

Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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