VSEPR

Once we have a basic idea of the bonds to expect for organic structures, the next key issue is the three-dimensional shape of such structures. We now introduce two important concepts for rationalizing the diverse possibilities for shapes of organic molecules VSEPR and hybridization. 

The valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) rule states that aU groups emanating from an atom—whether single, double, or triple bonds, or lone pairs— wiU be in spatial positions that are as far apart from one another as possible. The VSEPR method does not consider singly occupied orbitals to be groups (see below for the reason). VSEPR is purely a theory based upon the notion that the electrostatic repulsions between entities consisting of two or more electrons dictate molecular geometries. 

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The shapes of covalent compounds are determined by the tendency for bonding pairs to be as far apart as possible whilst lone pairs have a greater effect than bonding pairs (VSEPR theory). 

VSEPR theory See valency, theory of. vulcanite See ebonite. 

The tetrahedral geometry of methane is often explained with the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model The VSEPR model rests on the idea that an electron pair either a bonded pair or an unshared pair associated with a particular atom will be as far away from the atom s other electron pairs as possible Thus a tetrahedral geomehy permits the four bonds of methane to be maximally separated and is charac terized by H—C—H angles of 109 5° a value referred to as the tetrahedral angle... 

The H—O—H angle m water (105°) and the H—N—H angles m ammonia (107°) are slightly smaller than the tetrahedral angle These bond angle contractions are easily accommodated by VSEPR by reasoning that electron pairs m bonds take up less space than an unshared pair The electron pair m a covalent bond feels the attractive force of... 

Although reservations have been expressed concerning VSEPR as an explanation for molecular geometries it re mains a useful too/for pre dieting the shapes of organic compounds... 

Multiple bonds are treated as a single unit m the VSEPR model Formaldehyde is a trigonal planar molecule m which the electrons of the double bond and those of the two single bonds are maximally separated A linear arrangement of atoms m carbon diox ide allows the electrons m one double bond to be as far away as possible from the elec Irons m the other double bond... 

The opening paragraph of this chapter emphasized that the connection between structure and properties is what chemistry is all about We have just seen one such con nection From the Lewis structure of a molecule we can use electronegativity to tell us about the polarity of bonds and combine that with VSEPR to predict whether the mol ecule has a dipole moment In the next several sections we 11 see a connection between structure and chemical reactivity as we review acids and bases... 

What IS the CNN geometry in each structure according to VSEPR" ... 

Apply the VSEPR method to deduce the geometry around carbon in each of the following species... 

Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model (Section 110) Method for predicting the shape of a molecule based on the notion that electron pairs surrounding a central atom repel one another Four electron pairs will arrange them selves in a tetrahedral geometry three will assume a trigo nal planar geometry and two electron pairs will adopt a linear arrangement... 

Table 1 6 VSEPR and Molecular Geometry Table 1 7 Dissociation Constants (pK ) of Acids Table 2 5 Oxidation Numbers in Compounds with More Than One Carbon...

VSEPR model, the dihalides of Be and Mg and the heavier halides of Ca and Sr are essentially linear. However, the other dihalides are appreciably bent, e.g. Cap2 145°, Srp2 -- 120°, Bap2 108° SrCl2 - 130°, BaCh - 115° BaBri -115° Bah 105°. The uncertainties on these bond angles are often quite large ( 10°) and the molecules are rather flexible, but there seems little doubt that the equilibrium geometry is substantially non-linear. This has been interpreted in terms of sd (rather than sp) hybridization or by a suitable id hoc modification of the VSEPR theory. ... 

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. 

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