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Electronic Geometry, Molecular Shape, and Hybridization
Page 2
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The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Model (VSEPR Model)

The guiding principle: Bonded atoms and unshared pairs of electrons about a central atom are as far from one another as possible.

Bonded atoms
Nonbonded Pairs
Total
Electronic Geometry
Molecular Shape
Bond Angle
Hybridization
———————————————————————————————
5
0
5
bipyramidal
bipyramidal
90&120°
sp3d
Example: PCl5
4
1
5
bipyramidal
'seesaw'
90&120°
sp3d
Example: SF4
3
2
5
bipyramidal
T-shape
90°
sp3d
Example: ClF3
2
3
5
bipyramidal
linear
180°
sp3d
Example: XeF2, I3-
——————————————————
6
0
6
octahedral
octahedral
90°
sp3d2
Example: SF6
5
1
6
octahedral
square pyramidal
90°
sp3d2
Example: BrF5
4
2
6
octahedral
sq. planar
90°
sp3d2
Examples: XeF4, ICl4-
3
3
6
octahedral
planar
90°
sp3d2
             
2
4
6
octahedral
linear
180°
sp3d2

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