Molecular Shapes

by: Aurora A. Corpuz

 Why does shape matter?
• Properties of molecules depend on:
– types of atoms present
– arrangement around the central atom
• Polarity of molecule is also determined by shape
• Polarity will affect the interaction between molecule
MOLECULAR SHAPES

• In 1940, Sidgwick proposed an explanation of the

shapes of molecules based on Lewis’ model of
molecular shape .
• He assumed Lewis’ assumption that electrons tend
to group in pairs. Sidgwick further assumed that
electron pairs arrange themselves so as to be as
far apart as possible. The basis for this second
assumption is the repulsion between like charges.
• this theory has been named VSEPR (VALENCE
SHELL ELECTRON PAIR REPULSION)
VSEPR THEORY
• “ Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion
• # of shared pairs and lone pairs around CENTRAL atom
used to determine overall shape
• Theory states: “Repulsion between the sets of valence-
level electrons surrounding an atom causes these sets to
be as far apart as possible.
How do we determine shapes?
• VSEPR utilizes an ABE formula
– A= central atom
– B= atoms bonded to central atom
– E= lone pairs of electrons on Central atom only
• Example:
• H2O
• Oxygen is the central atom
• 2 hydrogen bonded to it (B2)
• 2 lone pairs on Oxygen (E2)
What do I do with the formula?

• AB2E2
• this shape is bent
Repulsion
• Repulsion between two unshared pairs of electrons is
greatest- push farthest apart
• repulsion between a shared and unshared pair of
electrons is intermediate
• repulsion between two shared pairs of electrons is least
Follow the steps to get the ABE formula and shape
• A. Draw the Lewis structure for molecule
• B. check to see if central atom is an exception
• C. determine the number of atoms attached to central atom
• A. #=subscript on B
• D. determine # of lone pairs on Central Atom
• A. #=subscript on E
• E. match the ABE formula you just determined to the shape on the
chart
BASIC SHAPES
• Using Lewis Structures, first assess the number of electron pairs surrounding
the central atom.
• place these electron pairs as far away as possible.
• if there are 2 pairs this is the shape:

• This shape is linear

3 Number Coding
• a simple system using a 3 number code can be used
where the 1st number represents the number of electron
pairs around the central atom,
the 2nd number represents the number of atoms
around the central atom
the 3rd number represents the number of unshared
electron pairs around the central atom
if there are 3 pairs the shape is :
If there are 4 pairs the shape is :
If there are 5 pairs the shape is:
If there are 6 pairs the shape is :
If there are 7 pairs the shape is:
DERIVED SHAPES- FROM 4 4 0
• Some molecules have unshared pairs of electrons which
influence the shape. here are some examples, NH3, the
Lewis Structure is:
DERIVED SHAPES -FROM 4 4 0

• Another example, H2O, the Lewis Structure is:

• notice it has 2 unshared pairs of electrons.
DERIVED SHAPES -FROM 5 5 0

• Another example, SF4, the Lewis Structure is:

• Notice it has 1 unshared pair of electrons
when determining which sphere to remove from the 5
5 0, remember, remove the sphere where there is the
greatest repulsion
DERIVED SHAPES- FROM 6 6 0

• Another example, IF5, the Lewis Structure is :

• Notice it has 1 unshared pairs of electrons
DERIVED SHAPES -FROM 6 6 0

• Another example, XeCl4,

the Lewis Structure is:
• Notice it has 2 unshared
pairs of electrons
What is the Lewis Structure and Shape?

co2
CO2

• .
What is the Lewis Structure and Shape?

CF2
CF2
What is the Lewis Structure and Shape?

SO2
SO2
Sample Problems:
Sample Problems:

a.) PoBr4 i.) BrF7

b.) AsH3 j.) XeCl2
c.) SeCl k.) AsBr3
d.) FBr3 l.) OTe2
e.) PbF2 m.) AlF3
f. )TeS3 n.) SeS3
g. H2S o.) FBr5
h.)NeF2 p.) SeBr6
What is Polarity?
• Polarity arises when one of the atoms has the electrons
more than the other atom
• unequal sharing
What is the result?
• bond has a positive and negative end

• the end that is negative “sees” the lelctrons more than the
positive side
• atom that has greater electronegativity will “see” electrons
more
How do we determine if a bond is polar?
• Difference in electronegativities
– if the difference is> than0.3, the bond is POLAR covalent
– if the difference is< than0.3, the bond is NON polar covalent
Other examples
Molecules can be polar too!
Both molecules are CH2Cl2-
Which is Polar?
the 3rd number represents the number of unshared
electron pairs around the central atom