VSEPR Theory

Question 1

What is #1 that describes the electronic geometry of the molecule

Answer 1

Electron pairs in the valence shell around a central atom repel each other and orientate themselves in space as far apart as possible to minimise repulsion bt them

Question 2

What is #2 that describes the slight differences in bond angles

Answer 2

Repulsion bt lp-lp > lp-bp > bp-bp

lp exert greater repulsive force on adj electron pairs
-> tend to compress the bond angles

Question 3

What is #3 that describes the slight difference in angle

Answer 3

Repulsion bt bond pairs electrons increases with an increase in electronegativity of the central atom

Question 4

What are the 5 steps to approach oxo-anion?

Answer 4

1. Central atom
2. Place O around it
3. Any (-)charge, place it on O
   => bonded to central atom via a single bond
4. Any other O
   => double bond
5. Check for octect