Main group section 1 - VSEPR Flashcards

1
Q

Describe VSEPR theory

A

The shapes of molecules containing a central p-block element tend to be controlled by the number of electrons in the valence shell. The theory is used to predict the shapes of molecules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the rules for VSEPR theory, for molecule EXn with central atom E

A
  • Electron-electron repulsions decrease in order: lp-lp>lp-bp>bp-bp - Each valence shell electron pair containing E-X single bonds is stereo-chemically significant and repulsions between them determine the molecular shape. - When the central atom E is involved in multiple bond formations to atom X, electron-electron repulsions decrease; triple bond-single bond>double bond-single bond>single bond-single bond - Note that this model does not take into account the relative size of the substituents (ie steric factors)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the nature of axial ligands

A

We may expect axial ligands to be longer than equatorial ligands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

State the shape of a molecule with two electron pairs

A

Linear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

State the possible shapes of a molecule with three electron pairs

A

Planar triangular/ trigonal planar or bent/non-linear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

State the possible shapes of a molecule with four electron pairs

A

Tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal or bent/non-linear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

State the possible shapes of a molecule with five electron pairs

A

Trigonal bipyramidal, seesaw or distorted T

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

State the possible shapes of a molecule with six electron pairs

A

Octahedral, square pyramidal or square planar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the limitations of VSEPR

A
  • If the presence of the lone pair has no geometric consequence it is termed stereochemically inactive. The tendency for the pair of valence s electrons to adopt a non-bonding role in a molecule or ion is termed the stereochemical inert pair effect.in this case, VSEPR will fail. - Stereo-chemical inactive lone pairs are usually observed for the heaviest members of a periodic group.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two electron pairs around the central atom

A

Linear. Bond angle is 180 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom

A

Bent or non-linear. Bond angle is 119 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with three bond pairs around the central atom

A

Trigonal planar/planar triangular. Bond angle is 120 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with four bond pairs around the central atom

A

Tetrahedral. Bond angle is 109.5 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two bond pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom

A

Bent or non-linear. Bond angle is 104.5 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with three bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom

A

Trigonal pyramidal. Bond angle is 107 degrees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with five bond pairs around the central atom

A

Trigonal bipyramidal. Bond angles are 90 and 120 degrees

17
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with four bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom

A

Seesaw. Bond angles are 87 and 102 degrees

18
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with three bond pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom

A

Distorted T. bond angle is 87.5 degrees

19
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with six bond pairs around the central atom

A

Octahedral. Bond angle is 90 degrees

20
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with five bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom

A

Square pyramidal. Bond angles are 81.9 and 90 degrees

21
Q

State the name and bond angle of a molecule with four bond pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom

A

Square planar. Bond angle is 90 degrees