Electron pair geometries

VSEPR THEORY

A Description of the Structures of Common Molecules and Ions

The structures in the table below can be viewed with Chime, a program which must be download to be used. You can obtain it from the . Click on a model to download the appropriate file, and it will open in a new window. Return to the VSEPR homepage. See also the database of structures.

Electron Pair and Molecular Geometries
Number of Atoms or Lone Pairs Around Central Atom Electron Pair Geometry Molecular Geometry Example

Two Linear Linear
BeCl₂

Three: 3 atoms Trigonal planar Trigonal planar
BCl₃

Three: 2 atoms and 1 LP Trigonal planar Bent
SO₂

Four: 4 atoms Tetrahedral Tetrahedral
CH₄

Four: 3 atoms and 1 LP Tetrahedral Trigonal pyramidal
NH₃

Four: 2 atoms and 2 LP Tetrahedral Bent
H₂O

**Electron Pair and Molecular Geometries**
Number of Atoms or Lone Pairs Around Central Atom	Electron Pair Geometry	Molecular Geometry	Example
Two	Linear	Linear	BeCl₂
Three: 3 atoms	Trigonal planar	Trigonal planar	BCl₃
Three: 2 atoms and 1 LP	Trigonal planar	Bent	SO₂
Four: 4 atoms	Tetrahedral	Tetrahedral	CH₄
Four: 3 atoms and 1 LP	Tetrahedral	Trigonal pyramidal	NH₃
Four: 2 atoms and 2 LP	Tetrahedral	Bent	H₂O

Return to General Chemistry Homepage