Ligand close-packing 4 molecules

Before discussing the AIM theory, we describe in Chapters 4 and 5 two simple models, the valence shell electron pair (VSEPR) model and the ligand close-packing (LCP) model of molecular geometry. These models are based on a simple qualitative picture of the electron distribution in a molecule, particularly as it influenced by the Pauli principle. 

Gillespie, R.J. Robinson, E.A. (1998). Molecular geometry of "ionic" molecules A ligand close packing model. Advances in Molecular Structure and Resonance, 4, 1-41. 

IV. THE LIGAND CLOSE-PACKING (LCP) MODEL FOR PREDOMINANTLY IONIC MOLECULES... 

MOLECULAR GEOMETRY OF "IONIC" MOLECULES A LIGAND CLOSE-PACKING MODEL Ronald J. Cillespie and Edward A. Robinson... 

Heard GL, Gillespie RJ, Rankin DWH (2000) Ligand close packing and the geometries of A(XY)4 and some related molecules. J Mol Struct 520 237-248... 

For AX molecules with no lone pairs in the valence shell of A, both the VSEPR model and the LCP model predict the same geometries, namely AX2 linear, AX3 equilateral triangular, AX4 tetrahedral, AX5 trigonal bipyramidal, and AX octahedral. Indeed Bent s tangent sphere model can be used equally as a model of the packing of spherical electron pair domains and as a model of the close packing of spherical ligands around the core of the central atom. 

Carbon tetrafluoride and all polyfluorinated hydrocarbons are very stable and inert molecules. This inertness can be attributed to the strength of the CF bonds and the close packing of the inert fluoride-like ligands around the carbon atom, which effectively prevent attack by a nucleophile on the carbon atom. In contrast, even though BF3 has stronger bonds than CF4, it is more reactive, forming adducts such as BF3-NH3 because the boron atom is only three-coordinated and there is space around it for an additional ligand. 

---