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Dr. M. Ashraf Shaheen

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

The theory is also called Gillespie–Nyholm theory. Sidwick, Powell (1940)
Gillespie and Nyholm (1957 are the main developers of this theory. This theory predicts
the shapes of covalent molecules. VSEPR theory is based on the idea that the geometry of
a molecule or polyatomic ion is determined primarily by repulsion among the pairs of
electrons associated with a central atom occupying the valence shell. The pairs of
electrons may be bonding or nonbonding (also called lone pairs).These electrons are said
to occupy localized orbitals. These orbitals arrange themselves in space in manner so that
there are maximum distances between them and minimum columbic repulsion between
them.

Basic Assumptions of VSEPR Theory

Main postulates of this theory are summarized here.

1. The electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom repel each other. These
pairs of electrons tend to occupy positions in space that minimize repulsions and
maximize the distance of separation between them. The number of electron pairs
surrounding an atom, both bonding and nonbonding, is called its steric number.
2. The valence shell is taken as a sphere with electron pairs localizing on the
spherical surface at maximum distance from one another.
3. A non-bonding electron pair occupies more space than bonding pair because the
non-bonding electron pair is under the influence of one nucleus whereas bonding
pair is attracted by two nuclei. The influence of bonding pair diminishes with the
increasing value of electronegativity forming a molecule
4. A multiple bond is treated as if it is a single electron pair and the two or three
electron pairs of a multiple bond are treated as a single electron pair. However
double electron pairs of a double bond or three electron pairs of a triple bond
occupy more space than one electron pair of a single bond.

Bond pairs are shared by two atoms and are attracted by two nuclei. Hence they
occupy less space and cause less repulsion.
Lone pairs are not involved in bond formation and are in attraction with only one
nucleus. Hence they occupy more space. As a result, the lone pairs cause more
repulsion.The order of repulsion between different types of electron pairs is as follows:
Lone pair - Lone pair > Lone Pair - Bond pair > Bond pair - Bond pair

5. Where two or more resonance structures can depict a molecule the VSEPR model
is applicable to any such structure.
6. Three types of repulsion take place between the electrons of a molecule:
(a) The lone pair-lone pair repulsions
(b) The lone pair-bonding pair repulsions
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(c) The bonding pair-bonding pair repulsions.

7. The repulsions between electron pairs decrease in the following order:
Lone pair – lone pair > lone pair – bond pair > bond pair – bond pair
8. When all the electron pairs are bonding in the valence shell of the central atom,
linear, triangular planar, square planar/tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal/square
pyramidal and octahedral shape molecules are formed for 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 bond
pairs of electrons respectively.
9. The lone pair – bond pair repulsions result in the distortion of regular molecular
geometry.
10. Primary & Secondary effects of electronegativity and size of atoms on bond
angle and shape
(a) The bond angle decreases due to the presence of lone pairs, which cause
more repulsion on the bond pairs and bond pairs are pushed closer.
(b) If the central atom is more electronegative than the surrounding atoms, the
electron pairs are more attracted toward the central atom, the repulsion between
electron pairs increases with increase in electronegativity of central atom and the
bond angle increases. However the bond angle decreases when the
electronegativities of ligand atoms are more than that of central atom. There is
increase in the distance between bond pairs since they are now closer to ligand
atoms. Due to this, they tend to move closer which cause the decrease in bond
angle as shown in Figure 2.40.
(c) The bond angle decreases with increase in the size of central atom. However the
bond angle increases with increase in the size of ligand atoms, which surround
the central atom.
(d) The bond angles are also changed when multiple bonds are present. It is due to
uneven repulsions.
The shapes of molecules with different numbers of bonding and non-
bonding electron pairs are given in table 2.5.

Figure 2.40: Effect of electronegativity and size of atoms on bond angle

Prediction of Shapes of Molecules using VSEPR Theory

To predict the shape of molecule using VSEPR Theory, Lewis dot structure of the
molecule is written in the first step. In the second step the number of bond pairs and lone
pairs in the valence shell of central atom are counted. While counting the number of bond
pairs, treat multiple bonds as if they were single bonds. Thus electron pairs in multiple
bonds are to be treated collectively as a single super pair.
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The table 2.5 is used to predict the shape of molecule based on steric number and
the number of bond pairs and lone pairs. The molecules are divided into six types
depending on the number of bond pairs and lone pairs. These types of molecules are
given in table 2.6 with examples.

Table 2.5: Shapes of molecules with different numbers of bonding and non -
bonding electron pairs

Steric BasicGeometery Geometery Geometery Geometery Geometery

Number without lone pair with1 lone pair with 2 lone pairs with 3 lone pairs with 4 lone pairs
180°

2 X A X
Linear
X

A A
3
X X X X
120° 120°
Trigonal Planer Bent or angular
X
109° X A A
4 X A
X X
X X X
109° X 109°
Tetrahedral Trigonal pyramidal Bent or angular
X X
X X
X
90° X
90° 90° 90°
5 120° A X 120° A A X 120° A

X X X
X X X
Trigonal bipyramidal Saw horse or seesaw T-Shape Linear

X X
90° 90° X
X
X X X X X X
6 A 90° A 90° A A
X X X A 180°
X X X X
X
X 90°
X
Octahedral Square pyramidal Square planer T-Shape Linear

(a) Shape of Molecules with Steric Number 2

Type AX2: According to VSEPR model, AX2 molecules
have two bonding electron pairs and adopt linear shape as
explained below. BeCl2 is an example of this type.
Ground state electronic configuration of Be: [He] 2s2
Excited state electronic configuration of Be : [He] 2s12p1
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One 2s1 and 2p1 orbitals undergo sp hybridization to make available two equivalent
orbitals for two bonding electron pairs.

Table 2.6: Types of molecules with examples

Steric Bond Lone

Type Shape Examples
No. pairs pairs
2 2 0 AX2L0 Linear BeX2, CdX2, CO2, NO2+
3 0 AX3 L0 Trigonal planar BX3, HCHO, SO3
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2 1 AX2L V-Shaped SnCl2, SO2
4 0 AX4 L0 Tetrahedral BF4–,CF4,NH4+,SO42–,ClO4–
4 3 1 AX3L Pyramidal NH3 , PCl3 , PH3 , AsCl3H2O,
2 2 AX2L2 V-Shaped H2S

5 0 AX5 L0 Trigonal bipyramidal PCl5 , SbCl5 , PF5

4 1 AX4L Irregular tetrahedron SF4 , TeCl4
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3 2 AX3L2 T-Shaped ClF3 , BrF3
2 3 AX2L3 Linear XeF2, I3 –

6 0 AX6 L0 Octahedral SF6 , MoF6 – , PCl6 –

6 5 1 AX5L Square pyramidal BrF5 , IF5
4 2 AX4L2 Square planar Icl4 –, BrF4 –

7 0 AX7 L0 Pentagonal bipyramidal IF7

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6 1 AX6L Irregular Octahedron [SbBr6]3–

N.B: A = Central atom, X = surrounding atoms, L = lone pair

The Lewis structure of BeCl2 shows that Be has two bonding electron pairs which
arrange themselves as far apart as possible at an angle of 180 0 in order to have minimum
repulsion between them. Thus BeCl2 molecule will have linear structure. Similarly Hg,
Zn and Cd having two electrons in their valence shell form linear structures. These atoms
(Hg, Zn and Cd) undergo sp hybridization which also predicts linear structure of the type
X—A—X type. Another example of AX2 is NO2+ ion.
Ground state electronic configuration of N: [He] 2s22p3
Excited state electronic configuration of N+: [He] 2s12px12py12pz1
N+ ion undergo sp hybridization and each sp hybrid orbital for sigma covalent bond with
oxygen atoms. The each unhybridized p orbital of N atom overlaps with O atom to form
π-bonds as shown in Figure 2.41
This means that NO2+ ion has two σ- bonding pairs 180° and
two π - bonding pairs of electrons. According to
VSEPR theory, shapes of molecules containing  
O N O
multiple bonds depend on σ- bond pairs. NO2+ ion   has
only two σ- bond pairs which arrange themselves
180° apart in order to have minimum repulsion between them and shape of ion is linear
according to VSEPR theory. .
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Figure 2.41: Schematic presentation of orbital hybridization in N and bond

formation with oxygen atoms.

(b) Shape of Molecule with Steric Number 3

Type AX3: Three electron pairs surround the central atom in AX3 types molecule. The
Lewis structure shows three bond pairs which arrange themselves in trigonal planar shape
and lie at 120° angle from each other to be at maximum distance in order to avoid
electronic repulsion between them. The common example of this type is BF3 whose
structure is explained here.
Ground state electronic configuration of B: [He] 2s22p1
Excited state electronic configuration of B: [He] 2s12px12py12pz

Figure 2.42: Schematic presentation of orbital hybridization in B and bond formation with F
atoms

Atomic orbital, 2s1, 2px1, and 2py1 undergo sp2 hybridization to produce 3sp2
hybrid orbitals. Each sp2 hybrid orbital form sigma covalent bond with F atoms by
overlapping with px orbital of F atom(Fig.2.42). The Lewis structure of BF3, (Figure
2.42) shows that central atom has three bond electron pairs and these pairs arrange
themselves as far apart as possible in a trigonal planar structure in order to have
minimum repulsion between them. Hence the VSEPR theory suggests a trigonal planar
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structure for BF3 molecule with each F – B – F bond angle of 120°. The sp2 hybridization
also predicts trigonal planar structure for BF3 molecule.
SO3 is also an example of AX3 type molecule involving multiple bonds. In SO3, S
undergoes sp2 hybridization forming trigonal planar structure. Hybridization scheme of S
in SO3 and formation of 3 σ and 3π-bonds is shown in Figure 2.43.

Figure 2.43: Hybridization scheme for SO3

As shown in Figure 2.43, SO3 has three σ- bonding pairs and three π-bonding
electron pairs. According to VSEPR theory, shapes of molecules containing multiple
bonds depend on σ – bonding pairs only. The three σ–bonding pairs will arrange
themselves in a trigonal planar structure in order to have minimum repulsions between
them. Thus VSEPR theory suggests a trigonal planar structure for SO 3 molecule with
each O – S – O bond angle of 120 °.
AB2L Type: In this type, the central atom A has two bond pairs and one lone pair. The
geometry of AB2L type molecules is angular or V-shape. SnCl2 represents the example
of this type of molecule. Lewis structure of SnCl2 (Figure 2.44 d) shows that it has two σ
– bonding electron pairs and one lone pair of electrons.

Figure 2.44: Geometries of AX3 type molecules

These electron pairs will have trigonal planar geometry. According to VSEPR theory,
the shape of molecule is determined by bonding pairs. Thus VSEPR suggests a V-shaped
structure for SnCl2 molecule due to presence of lone pair of electron which cause
repulsion on bond pairs and bond angle, Cl—Sn—Cl reduces to 109° from 120°.
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(c) Shape of Molecule with Steric Number 4

Type AX4: The minimum repulsion between four electron pairs is possible only when
each electron pair occupies the corner of a tetrahedron. For example the Lewis structures
of CH4 and TiCl4 show that central atom, C in CH4 and Ti in TiCl4 have four bonding
electron pairs. According to VSEPR theory, four bonding pairs in CH 4 will arrange
themselves in a tetrahedral structure in order to have minimum repulsion between them.
Thus VSEPR theory suggests a tetrahedral structure for CH4 molecule with each H – C –
H bond angle of 109.28 ° (Figure 2.45).
SO42– ion is AX4 species involving multiple bonds. The Lewis structure of SO 42–
ion exhibits four σ–bonding electron pairs and two π–bonding electron pairs. According
to VSEPR theory, σ–bonding electron pairs determine shapes of molecules containing
multiple bonds. In SO4–2, there are only four σ–bonding pairs which will arrange
themselves in a tetrahedral structure in order to have minimum repulsion between them.
Therefore, VSEPR theory suggests a tetrahedral structure for SO4–2 ion with each O – S –
O bond angle of 109 °5. The structures of BF4–,CF4 , NH4+ and ClO4– can be explained on
similar grounds.

Figure 2.45: Hybridization scheme for CH4

The S atom in SO4–2 undergoes sp3 hybridization and predicts the tetrahedral
structure for SO4–2 ions as given in Figure 2.46. Two π–bonds are formed by overlapping
of d orbitals of S and p orbitals of oxygen and are called pπ–dπ bonds.
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Figure 2.46: Hybridization scheme for SO42

Type AX3L: In this type of molecules, three σ–bond electron pairs and one lone pairs
arrange themselves around the corners of a tetrahedron. The lone pair occupies more
space than bond pairs and repels the bond pairs. Consequently X—A—X bond angle
decreases to 107.2° and tetrahedral shape becomes pyramidal. NH 3, PCl3, PH3 and AsCl3
are examples of this type of molecules.
Lewis structure of NH3 shows that it has three σ – bonding pairs and one lone pair
of electrons. These electron pairs will have tetrahedral geometry. According to VSEPR
theory, lone pair occupies more space than bond pairs and, therefore, exerts greater
repulsions on bond pairs. Thus H – N – H bond angle is of 1070 in NH3 rather than
normal tetrahedral angle of 1090.
Type AX2L2: In this type of molecules, two σ–bond electron pairs and two lone pairs
arrange themselves around the corners of a tetrahedron. The lone pairs occupy more
space than bond pairs and repel the bond pairs. Consequently, the X—A—X bond angle
further decreases to 104.5° and tetrahedral shape becomes v–shape or angular. H2O and
H2S are examples of this type of molecules. Lewis structure of H2O shows that it has two
σ – bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons. These electron pairs will have
tetrahedral geometry. According to VSEPR theory, lone pairs exert greater repulsions on
bond pairs. Thus H – O – H bond angle is of 104.5 ° in H2O rather than normal tetrahedral
angle of 1090 as shown in Figure 2.47.
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Figure 2.47: Hybridization scheme for H2O

According to VSEPR theory shape of molecule is determined by two bonding pairs only.
Thus VSEPR theory suggests a V– shaped structure for H2O molecule.

(d) Shape of Molecule with Steric Number 5

The minimum repulsion between five electron pairs is possible only when each
electron pair occupies the corner of a trigonal pyramidal structure. For example the Lewis
structures of PCl5 show that central atom, P in PCl5 has five bonding electron pairs.
According to VSEPR theory, five bonding pairs in PCl5 will arrange themselves in a
trigonal pyramidal structure in order to have minimum repulsion between them.
Type AX5: PCl5, PF5 and SbCl5 fall in this type of molecule in which central atom (P
and Sb) is surrounded by five bonding electron pairs which are arranged along the
corners of trigonal pyramidal structure in order to have maximum distances and
minimum repulsions among them as shown in Figure 2.48.
Type AX4L: In this type of molecules, four σ–bond electron pairs and one lone pairs
arrange themselves around the corners of a trigonal bipyramidal structure. The lone pair
occupies more space than bond pairs and repels the bond pairs. Consequently X—A—X
bond angle decreases and trigonal bipyramidal shape becomes seesaw shape. SF4, SeF4
and TeCl4 are examples of this type of molecules.
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Figure 2.48: Hybridization scheme for PCl5

The S atom in SF4 is sp3d hybridized resulting in the formation of the five coordinate
bonds required for the decet (10 electron). The lone pair can occupy axial or equatorial
position in trigonal bipyramidal structure. When the lone pair is in axial position, then
there will be three lone pair - bond pair repulsion but when lone pair is in equatorial
position, then there will be two Lone pair - Bond pair repulsion.

Figure 2.49: Hybridization scheme for SF4

The lone pair - bond pair repulsion in the seesaw molecules SF4 causes distortion of the
axial; S-F bonds away from the lone pair to an angle of 173.1 o, the two equatorial S-F
bonds, ideally at 120o, move much closer to an angle of 101.6o (Figure 2.49).
Lewis structure of SeF4 shows that it has four σ – bonding pairs and one lone pair
of electrons. These electron pairs will have trigonal bipyramidal geometry. According to
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VSEPR theory, lone pair occupies more space than bond pairs and, therefore, exerts
greater repulsions on bond pairs. Thus F – S – F bond angle is decreased 101.6°.

Type AX3L2: This type of molecules have three bonding electron pairs and two lone
pairs of electrons. Two lone pairs of electrons occupy equatorial positions of trigonal
bipyramidal structure to have minimum repulsion from bond pairs yeilding a T-Shaped
structure.
For example Lewis structure of ClF3 shows that it has three σ - bonding pairs and two
lone pair of electrons. These electron pairs will have trigonal bipyramidal geometry.
According to VSEPR theory shape of molecule is determined by three bonding pairs
only. Thus VSEPR suggests a T-Shaped structure for ClF3 molecule with two lone pairs
occupying the equatorial position. The bond angles are shown in the Figure 2.50 .
Another example of this type is BrF3.

Type AX2L3: ClF2, XeF2 and I3– species are example of this class of molecules in
which there are two bonding σ- electron pairs and three lone pairs which give rise to
trigonal bipyramidal electronic geometry. Lewis structure of ClF2 shows that it has two σ
- bonding pairs and three lone pair of electrons. These electron pairs have trigonal
bipyramidal geometry. The VSEPR suggests a linear structure for ClF2 molecule with
three lone pairs occupying the equatorial position. The bond angles are shown in the
Figure 2.50.

Figure 2.50: Structure of AX3L2 and AX2L3

(e) Shape of Molecule with Steric Number 6

The minimum repulsion between six electron pairs is possible only when each
electron pair occupies the corner of a octahedron. For example the Lewis structure of SF6
shows that central atom, S has six bonding electron pairs. According to VSEPR theory,
six bonding pairs in SF6 will arrange themselves forming octahedral electronic geometry
to have minimum repulsion between them.

Type AX6: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is an example of AX6 type molecules in which all
six electron pairs are bonding pairs.
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Figure 2.51: Hybridization scheme for SF6

Each electron pairs occupies the corner of a octahedron and octahedral shape molecule is
formed with sulfur atom in the center. Sulfur atom undergoes sp3d2 hybridization forming
six hybrid orbitals which overlap with p orbitals of fluorine. The hybridization scheme
and bond angles are shown in Figure 2.51.
The Lewis structure of SF6 shows that central atom, S, has six bonding electron
pairs. According to VSEPR theory, six bonding pairs in SF6 arrange themselves in an
octahedral structure in order to have minimum repulsion between them. The VSEPR
theory suggests a octahedral structure for SF6 molecule. MoF6 – and PCl6 – are other
examples of AX6 molecules.

Type AX5L: Iodine pentafluoride is an example of this class F

of molecules. The electronic geometry for IF5 is octahedral, 180 1
because the central atom, iodine undergoes sp3d2 hybridization. F 81.9
In the iodine atom, there are 5 bonding and 1 lone pair so the F
molecular geometry for IF5 is square pyramidal. For the normal I
octahedral, the bond angels are 90 and 180, but in IF5 there is F F
one lone pair thus the bond angles are less than 90 and 180,
Because of repulsions between the lone-pair electrons and the
I—F bonding pairs, the plane of the four F atoms at the base is
raised slightly above the I atom. Thus VSEPR theory suggests a square pyramidal
structure for IF5 molecule. The bond angles are shown in Figure. Same arguments can be
extended to explain the
shape of BrF5.

Type AX4L2: ICl4– and

BrF4– are the examples of
AX4L2 type molecule.
There are six electron
pairs in this type of
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molecules. These electron pairs will have octahedral geometry. Lewis structure of ICl4 –
shows that it has four σ - bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons. The shape of
molecule is determined by four bonding pairs only. Thus VSEPR suggests a square
planar structure for ICl4– molecule.

(f) Shape of Molecule with Steric Number 7

These types of molecules have 7 electron pairs surrounding the central atom and are
arranged in pentagonal bipyramidal shape in order to have minimum repulsion between
them. An example is IF7 molecule. The Lewis structure of IF7 shows that central atom, I,
has seven bonding electron pairs. Each electron pairs occupies the corner of a pentagonal
bipyramidal shape and pentagonal bipyramidal shape molecule is formed with I atom in
the center. In this arrangement there is minimum repulsion between bond pairs. Iodine
atom undergoes sp3d3 hybridization forming six hybrid orbitals which overlap with p
orbitals of fluorine. The hybridization scheme and bond angles are shown in Figure 2.52.
IF7 has five basal bonds (Fb—I bonds) in the plane of pentagon directed at angle of 72°
while two axial bonds (Fa—I bonds) directed at right angle to the plane of pentagon. Fa—
I—Fa bond angel is of 180°. Thus VSEPR theory suggests a pentagonal bipyramidal
structure for IF7 molecule.
Type AX6L: An example of this type of molecule is [SbBr 6]3– in
which Sb under goes sp3d3 hybridization forming seven hybrid
orbitals. Six hybrid orbitals form σ-bonds with 6 Br atoms while
seventh hybrid orbital has lone pair of electron. These electron
pairs will have octahedral geometry. According to VSEPR
theory shape of molecule is determined by six bonding pairs
only. Thus VSEPR theory suggests an irregular octahedron
structure for [SbBr6]2– molecule.

Figure 2.52: Hybridization scheme for IF7