VSEPR theory

The shape of a molecule or ion is determined by the repulsion between the electron pairs surrounding the central atom.

Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory

- Only the electron pairs arranged around the central atom in a covalent molecule need to be considered

- Pairs of electrons repel each other and move as far apart as possible

- Lone pair-lone pair repulsion is greater than lone pair-bonding pair repulsion which is greater than bonding pair- bonding pair repulsion

- The actual shape of species is determined by the atoms attached round the central atom (and influenced by the lone pairs of electrons)

- All bonds - single bonds, double bonds and triple bonds - take up the same space.

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v t e Molecular geometry
VSEPR theory Coordination number
Coordination number 2	Linear Bent
Coordination number 3	Trigonal planar Trigonal pyramidal T-shaped
Coordination number 4	Tetrahedral Square planar Seesaw
Coordination number 5	Trigonal bipyramidal Square pyramidal Pentagonal planar
Coordination number 6	Octahedral Trigonal prismatic Pentagonal pyramidal
Coordination number 7	Pentagonal bipyramidal Capped octahedral Capped trigonal prismatic
Coordination number 8	Square antiprismatic Dodecahedral Bicapped trigonal prismatic
Coordination number 9	Tricapped trigonal prismatic Capped square antiprismatic
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