Worksheet - Molecular Shapes

The shapes of molecules can be predicted from their Lewis structures by using the VSEPR
(Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model, which states that electron pairs around a central
atoms will assume a geometry that keeps them as far apart from each other as possible.

The VESPR theory was further developed for molecules with multiple bonds where these bonds
were treated as electron pairs that are contained in an electron domain. Later, the concept of
electron domain was also applied to non-bonding pairs around the central atom. Consequently,
electron domain can be distinguished into:

 Bonding Electron Domain (BED), which contains pairs of bonding electrons

 Non-bonding Electron Domain (NBED), which contains pairs of non-bonding electrons

The groups occupying these geometric positions will be either atoms bonded to the central
atom, or lone pair electrons/non-bonding electron on the central atom. Lone pair electrons
occupy more space than bonded electrons. Lone pair electrons will also occupy positions that
put them as far apart from each other as possible.

Basic Shapes of Molecules

Electron Number Number AXnEm Molecular Structure

Domains of BED of NBED Shape
around central (n) (m)
atom
2 2 0 AX2 Linear

3 3 0 AX3 Trigonal
Planar

2 1 AX2E Bent
(Angular)

4 4 0 AX4 Tetrahedral
 3 1 AX3E Trigonal
pyramidal

2 2 AX2E2 Bent/ V-
shaped

5 5 0 AX5 Trigonal
bipyramidal

4 1 AX4E Seesaw
(Distorted
tetrahedral)

3 2 AX3E2 T-shaped

2 3 AX2E3 Linear

6 6 0 AX6 Octahedral

5 1 AX5E Square
pyramidal

4 2 AX4E2 Square
planar

For Example:
1) Draw the Lewis structure for water, H2O.
a) How many bonding electron domain (BED) and non-bonding electron domain (NBED)
surround the central oxygen?
2 BED and 2 NBED
b) What is the AXnEm formula?
AX2E2
c) What is the shape of this molecule?
Bent/V-shaped

Exercises

1) Draw the Lewis structures for these following compounds and predict their molecular shape!
a. SF6 b. NH3 c. CO2

d. PCL5 e. CCl4 f. BrF5

g. COH2 h. SF4 g. XeF4

2) Based on the previous following compounds, write each of their VSEPR notations (AXnEm) !