The Distribution of Electrons in Valence Shells

This chapter is devoted to an account of the VSEPR model particularly as applied to molecules of the main group elements. 

We see that it is a consequence of the Pauli principle and bond formation that the electrons in most molecules are found as pairs of opposite spin—both bonding pairs and nonbonding pairs. The Pauli principle therefore provides the quantum mechanical basis for Lewis s rule of two. It also provides an explanation for why the four pairs of electrons of an octet have a tetrahedral arrangement, as was first proposed by Lewis, and why therefore the water molecule has an angular geometry and the ammonia molecule a triangular pyramidal geometry. The Pauli principle therefore provides the physical basis for the VSEPR model. 

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