Main group section 1 - VSEPR Flashcards
Describe VSEPR theory
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
Describe the rules for VSEPR theory, for molecule EXn with central atom E
- 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)
Describe the nature of axial ligands
We may expect axial ligands to be longer than equatorial ligands
State the shape of a molecule with two electron pairs
Linear
State the possible shapes of a molecule with three electron pairs
Planar triangular/ trigonal planar or bent/non-linear
State the possible shapes of a molecule with four electron pairs
Tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal or bent/non-linear
State the possible shapes of a molecule with five electron pairs
Trigonal bipyramidal, seesaw or distorted T
State the possible shapes of a molecule with six electron pairs
Octahedral, square pyramidal or square planar
Describe the limitations of VSEPR
- 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.
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two electron pairs around the central atom
Linear. Bond angle is 180 degrees
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom
Bent or non-linear. Bond angle is 119 degrees
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with three bond pairs around the central atom
Trigonal planar/planar triangular. Bond angle is 120 degrees
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with four bond pairs around the central atom
Tetrahedral. Bond angle is 109.5 degrees
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with two bond pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom
Bent or non-linear. Bond angle is 104.5 degrees
State the name and bond angle of a molecule with three bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom
Trigonal pyramidal. Bond angle is 107 degrees