VSEPR

Valence Shell
Electron Pair
Repulsion

Introduction Lesson Quiz

 Introduction
 The image in the previous slide is a complex
molecule, however, there are thousands, even
millions of molecules that are more complex!

 Since we cannot see molecules with our eyes

scientists came up with a theory to predict how
molecules will look in space. This theory is called
VSEPR

 Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) is the

the theory scientists came up with to model
molecules in space.

 Although VSEPR can be used to explain complex

molecules, in this lesson we will focus only on the most
basic aspects of VSEPR.
 VSEPR Basics
 VSEPR is based on the number of atoms and
electrons pairs around a central atom.

 It is used to predict the structure of molecules by

reducing the electrostatic repulsion between
electrons.
 In other words because atoms are surrounded by
electrons they tend to repel each other, therefore,
a molecule will seek it’s most stable state by
locating the electrons pairs, and other connected
atoms as far away from each other as possible.

 Although VSEPR is not always accurate, it will be

used throughout this chemistry course as the
method for predicting molecular structures.
 Electrons and Atoms

In this power point the following colors will be

used:
-Pink: Central Atom
-White: Connected Atom(s)
-Yellow: Electron pair

Note: The electrons and atoms repel each other evenly so that they
are the furthest possible position from each other.

In order to come up with the structural name according to VSEPR,

take into account only the atoms disregarding the lone pairs of
electrons. The molecule shown above is known as a bent
configuration, notice how the atoms form a “curve” or a “bend”
because of the electron repulsion by lone pair of electrons. We will
look a a few more structures.
 Linear
 Notice how there are multiple ways to come up with
the same configuration depending on the way the
atoms and electrons are situated. In the next lesson
we will various properties of the different VSEPR
structures.

Some common linear molecules are BeH2 (Beryllium Hydride)

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide)
 Bent
 The following molecules are of the bent
configuration. Some common bent molecules
are H2O (water), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), and O3
(Ozone)
 Trigonal Planar
 As the molecules increase in complexity more
variations in the configuration and structure
become available. However, there will be less of
the same structure. For instance Trigonal planar
molecules only have one possible configuration.

These two molecules are the same, only rotated and viewed from a
Slightly different angle. Some examples of trigonal planar molecules are
BH3 (Boron Hydride), H2CO (Formaldehyde) and CO32- (Carbonate Anion)
 Tetrahedral
 The last VSEPR configuration we will review in this
lesson is the tetrahedral configuration.

The tetrahedral configuration is one of the most common VSEPR

Configurations, it is also the base configuration for organic molecules.
Some common tetrahedral molecules are: CH4 (Methane), NH4+ (Ammonium
cation) and PO43- (Phosphate anion)
 Conclusion
 There are many other VSEPR configurations and
we will review these as the quarter continues. For
now we will focus on these four configurations.

 Feel free to either review the lesson or take a

small practice quiz to test your knowledge.

 Review Lesson

 Quiz (Good luck!)

 Quiz

 Here are three questions, to answer the questions

click on the correct answer.

 If you get an answer wrong you will be directed

to answer the question again.

 If you get stuck you can click the home button

at anytime.
 Question 1
 What VSEPR configuration is shown below?

 Bent
 Linear
 Tetrahedral
 Trigonal Planar
 Sorry, Please try again

 Redo Question
 Congratulations!

 That’s Right!

 Next Question
 Question 2

 Which of these molecules are tetrahedral?

 H2O Water
 CO2 Carbon Dioxide
 CH4 Methane
 BH3 Boron Hydride
 Sorry, Please try again

 Redo Question
 Congratulations!

 You’re correct!

 Next Question
 Question 3
 What VSEPR configuration is shown below?

 Linear
 Tetrahedral
 Trigonal Planar
 Bent
 Sorry, Please try again

 Redo Question
 Congratulations!

 You’re Right!

 You’ve correctly answered all of the questions. Great

job!

 In the following lessons we will continue to develop

our understanding of VSEPR theory.

 To review on your own, or to look ahead at future

material click on the links on the references page.
Here you will find links to more complex molecules,
and the rest of the VSEPR configurations.

 References
 References
 Molecule on home page:
 http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=341

 All other molecule models:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSEPR_theory

 Information for Introduction:

 http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/vsepr/

 Information on example molecules:

 http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/203tri
gplanar.html