A complement of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory

E.M.R. Kiremire

Department of Chemistry, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek (Namibia).

ABSTRACT:

VSEPR model is extremely powerful in predicting the shapes of molecules and ions. Yet many students continue to experience some difficulty in utilizing it. This article has advanced a simple equation LP = ½ (g-b-c) which is readily applicable to mononuclear molecules or ions to determine the number of electron pairs around the central atom. Knowing the number of lone pairs, the geometry of the molecule or ion is easily deduced.

KEYWORDS:

VSEPR theory; electron pairs; geometry

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Copy the following to cite this article: Kiremire E. M. R. A complement of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Orient J Chem 2009;25(2).

Copy the following to cite this URL: Kiremire E. M. R. A complement of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Available from: http://www.orientjchem.org/?p=11377