Molecular geometry VSEPR model

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. 

R. J. Gillespie and I. Hargittai The VSEPR Model of Molecular Geometry, Allyn and Bacon, 1991. 

The major features of molecular geometry can be predicted on the basis of a quite simple principle—electron-pair repulsion. This principle is the essence of the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model, first suggested by N. V. Sidgwick and H. M. Powell in 1940. It was developed and expanded later by R. J. Gillespie and R. S. Nyholm. According to the VSEPR model, the valence electron pairs surrounding an atom repel one another. Consequently, the orbitals containing those electron pairs are oriented to be as far apart as possible. 

The VSEPR model is readly extended to species in which double or triple bonds are present A simple principle applies Insofar as molecular geometry is concerned, a multiple bond behaves like a single bond. This makes sense. The four electrons in a double bond, or the six electrons in a triple bond, must be located between the two atoms, as are the two electrons in a single bond. This means that the electron pairs in a multiple bond must occupy the same region of space as those in a single bond. Hence the extra electron pairs in a multiple bond have no effect on geometry. 

VSEPR model Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion model, used to predict molecular geometry states that electron pairs around a central atom tend to be as far apart as possible, 180-182... 

Tetrahedral geometry may be the most common shape in chemistry, but several other shapes also occur frequently. This section applies the VSEPR model to four additional electron group geometries and their associated molecular shapes. 

The molecular geometry of a complex depends on the coordination number, which is the number of ligand atoms bonded to the metal. The most common coordination number is 6, and almost all metal complexes with coordination number 6 adopt octahedral geometry. This preferred geometry can be traced to the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model Introduced In Chapter 9. The ligands space themselves around the metal as far apart as possible, to minimize electron-electron repulsion. 

Gillespie, R.J. (2000). Improving our understanding of molecular geometry and the VSEPR model through the ligand close-packing model and the analysis of electron density distributions. 

Gillespie, R. J. and Hargittai, I. (1991). The VSEPR model of molecular geometry. Boston Allyn and Bacon. 

Gillespie, R.J. Robinson, E.A. (1996). Electron domains and the VSEPR model of molecular geometry. Angewante Chemie International Edition in English, 35, 495-514. 

Molecular Geometry The Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Model... 

The cu-bonding model provides a more complete and fundamental description of hypervalent molecules that are often interpreted in terms of the VSEPR model.144 In the present section we examine some MX species that are commonly used to illustrate VSEPR principles, comparing and contrasting the VSEPR mnemonic with general Bent s rule, hybridization, and donor-acceptor concepts for rationalizing molecular geometry. Tables 3.32 and 3.33 summarize geometrical and NBO/NRT descriptors for a variety of normal-valent and hypervalent second-row fluorides to be discussed below, and Fig. 3.87 shows optimized structures of the hypervalent MF species (M = P, S, Cl n = 3-6). 

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