Dr.
Gutow's Molecular Shapes Web Site
| Introduction | The Model (VSEPR) | Examples |
| Introduction | The Model (VSEPR) | Examples |
| Number of
Groups |
Basic Shape (click
links below to see examples)
|
Sub-Shapes A = central atom X = atom attached to central atom E = nonbonding electron group on central atom |
|
| Diatomic
(any number) |
Linear Diatomic |
Generic Formula AX |
Shape Name (this refers to the atom arrangement, ignoring the lone pairs) Linear |
| 2 |
Linear
Triatomic |
AX2 |
Linear |
| 3 |
Trigonal
Planar |
AX3 AX2E |
Trigonal
Planar Bent |
| 4 |
Tetrahedral |
AX4 AX3E AX2E2 |
Tetrahedral Trigonal Pyramidal Bent |
| 5 |
Trigonal
Bipyramidal |
AX5 AX4E AX3E2 AX2E3 |
Trigonal
Bipyramidal Seesaw T-shaped Linear |
| 6 Last Table Update:
November 18, 2016
Expires: --- J. Gutow |
Octahedral |
AX6 AX5E AX4E2 |
Octahedral Square Pyramidal Square Planar |