Shapes of Molecules

• The shape of a molecule can be predicted using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (Electron Repulsion Theory for short):
  • Shape is determined by no. of electron pairs in outer shell of central atom
  • Electron pairs repel each other
  • Lone pairs repel more than bond pairs
  • Electron pairs spread out as far as possible
  • Double bonds act as single bonds when assigning shape

2 Bond Electron Pairs

• Both pairs repel equally
• Shape:…