VSEPR Theory: Predicting Molecular Geometry

VSEPR Theory: Predicting Molecular Geometry

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory

VSEPR Theory is one method that chemists use to predict the shapes of molecules. This theory predicts that electron pairs, whether involved in bonds or as non-bonding pairs, will adopt a geometry in which they maximize the distance from one another in order to minimize repulsions. This will result in a geometry with the lowest possible energy.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory (VSEPR) is a set of rules whereby the chemist may predict the shape of an isolated molecule. It is based on the premise that groups of electrons…