Molecular Geometry:  When Lone Pair Electrons Rule

How are the ideal geometries influenced by the lone pair electrons on a molecule?

What are the ideal bond angles in the molecules below, which lack any lone pairs?

Examine the following molecules and compare their bond angles with the ideal geometries.   

Derived from trigonal planar geometry:

SnCl₂   

  angle (degrees - select 3 atoms)
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Derived from tetrahedral geometry:

NH₃                                         H₂O 

Derived from trigonal bipyramidal geometry:

SF₄                                ClF₃                                  XeF₂

Derived from octahedral geometry:

IF₅                                                 XeF₄

How do the bond angles in the molecules compare to the values for the ideal geometries?

What do you conclude about the space occupied by a lone pair of electrons?  Why?

Do lone pairs always cause distortion in a molecule?  Explain.

Which is more repulsive - a bonded pair of electrons or a lone pair of electrons?  Explain.

For the trigonal bipyramidal geometry, the lone pairs of electrons are found in which position - axial or equatorial?  Why?

Are lone pair electrons the only cause of distortion?  View the two structures below and measure the H-C-H bond angle to assess this question.

Iodomethane                                 Formaldehyde

  <-- click on for space-filled model -->

                                angle                              

 

Return to Gage CHM 101 webpage or Sinex CHM 101 webpage.

Scott A. Sinex        Prince George's Community College        10/2002