THEORIES ON COVALENT BONDING

1) Lewis Theory

2) VSEPR Theory

3) Valence Bond Theory(VBT)

4) Molecular Orbital Theory(MOT)

Lewis Theory

This theory explains bond formation between

atoms. It explains three types of bonds i-e
covalent, ionic and coordinate covalent bond.
Limitations:
It does not explain the shape and geometry of
molecules. Shape of molecules determine their
physical and chemical properties.
 VSEPR THEORY

This theory was proposed by Sidgwick and Powell

in 1940.
Basic Assumption:
The valence electron pairs (Bond pairs and lone
pairs) are arranged around the central atom in
such a way to remain at a maximum distance so
as to keep the repulsions minimum.
POSTULATES OF VSEPR THEORY:
 Both the lone as well as the bond pairs
participate in determining the geometry of
molecules.
 The electron pairs are arranged around the
central atom at a maximum distance so as to
keep repulsions minimum.
 The electron pairs occupy more space than
bond pairs.
 The magnitude of repulsion between
electron pairs is given by
Lone-lone > Lone-bond > bond-bond
 These are called Wander Waal repulsions.

 The two electron pairs of double bond and

three electron pairs of triple bond have high
electron density, but they behave as single b in
determining the geometry of molecules.

 “A” is considered to be a Central polyvalent

atom.
 More than one “B” type of atoms can be
attached to “A”.
1. Molecules containing two
electron Pairs(AB2)
In this type, the two electron pairs are
arranged around the central atom at an
angle of 1800. E. g
BeCl2, SnCl2, CO2

2. Molecules containing three

electron pairs (AB3):
 AB3 type with no lone pairs:
In this type, it contains three bond pairs.
They are arranged at a mutual distance of
1200
Its geometry is trigonal planar. E. g
AlH3, GaH3, BF3, AlCl3
 AB3 type with one lone pair and two
bond pairs:
In this type, one corner of molecule is
occupied by lone pair.
Its geometry is Bent or Angular. E. g

 AB3 type with multiple bonds:

In this type, one corner may or may not be
occupied by lone pair and the other two by
multiple bonds.
All the three corners may be occupied by
multiple bonds.
3. Molecules containing four
electron pairs (AB4):
 AB4 type with no lone pairs:
In this type, the four corners of the central
atom are surrounded by bond pairs.
Its geometry is tetrahedral.
Their mutual angle is 109.50.
EXAMPLE:

 AB4 type with one lone and three

bond pairs:
In this type, one corner is occupied by lone
pair and other three corners by bond pairs.
0
Their bond angle is 107.5 due to presence of
one lone pair.
 In case of NF3, the bond angle is 1020 due to
more repulsion of lone pair on bond pairs
(more polar NF bond).
Its geometry is Trigonal Pyramidal.
EXAMPLE: , NH3

 AB4 type with two lone and two

bond pairs:
In this type, two corners are occupied by two
lone pairs and other two corners are
occupied by two bond pairs.
Its bond angle is 104.50 due to presence of
two lone pairs.
Its geometry is Bent or Angular.
EXAMPLES:
H2S, H2Se, H2Te
Limitations:
It does not explain how bond is formed
between two atoms.

VALENCE BOND THEORY (VBT)

Definition:
“A single bond is formed between two
partially filled atomic orbitals in such a way
that the probability of finding an electron is
maximum around the line joining the two
nuclei.”
EXPLANATION:
According to Quantum Mechanical approach, a
covalent bond is formed when two half-filled
orbitals in the outer or valence shell of two
atoms overlap, so that a pair of electrons, one
from each atom, occupies the overlapped
orbital. As a result of this orbital, the electrons
with opposite spins become paired to stabilize
themselves. Larger the overlap, stronger is the
bond. The orbitals of two atoms must overlap
and their direction is given by the direction of
two overlapping orbitals. The electron density is
concentrated between two nuclei.