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Dr. Gutow's Molecular Shapes Web Site
Introduction The Model (VSEPR) Examples
If your browser is Java capable you will get snappier performance if you use Java.
AX4,AX3E and AX2E2Configurations
Molecules in this category may have three, four or five atoms.  The configuration is specified as AX4 for the case with five total atoms and AX3E for the case with four atoms and AX2E3 for the case with three.  Remeber the "E" represents electron group(s) that not involved in bonding, the "X" atoms around the central atom and the "A" is the central atom.  Molecules of the type AX4 are tetrahedral, molecules of the type AX3E are trigonal pyramidal and molecules of the type AX2E2 are bent.
Example AX4 Molecules (Tetrahedral)
FormulaLewis StructureLive 3-D viewDownload for Jmol/Rasmol
CH4 CH4.pdb
CCl4 CCl4.pdb

Example AX3E Molecules (Trigonal Pyramidal)
FormulaLewis StructureLive 3-D viewDownload for Jmol/Rasmol
NF3 NF3.pdb
ClO3- ClO3(minus).pdb

Example AX2E2 Molecules (Bent)
FormulaLewis StructureLive 3-D viewDownload for Jmol/Rasmol
H2O H2O.pdb
Molecular Viewer Instructions
Brief Instructions for Molecular Viewer
(The Open Source Applet JSmol/Jmol)

When you select a molecule you will see a rotating image of the molecule displayed above using the Jmol/JSmol applet.
Rotate the molecule Hold down the mouse button and drag the cursor over the image.
Zoom the view Hold down the shift key and the mouse button while dragging up or down over the image
Start/stop automatic spin Right-click over the image and select "on" or "off" from the "Spin" submenu. On a single button mouse try holding the <option>, <ctrl> or <cmd> keys down while holding the mouse button.

Additional instructions for the viewer.

•If your browser is not Javascript or Java capable you can still download the molecule files readable by Jmol or Rasmol by clicking on the link and then use Jmol or Rasmol to view the files.  See the tutorial introduction for more information.
Last Update: November 17, 2016
by J. Gutow
Expires: --