VSEPR Theory

• An electron domain can be either a single bond, a double bond, a triple bond or a non-bonded pair of electrons. Multiple bonds count as one domain.
• Electron pairs, referred to as electron domains in VSEPR theory, repel each other due to like charges. Note that it is focused only on the valence electrons of a central atom; electrons in inner-shells are not considered.
• Lone pairs of electrons are more repulsive than bonded pairs as they have a greater degree of freedom to move around in the electron cloud. This greater repulsion reduces the bond angles.
• Molecular geometry: Linear

  
• Molecular geometry: Trigonal planar

  
• Molecular geometry: Bent

  
• Molecular geometry: Tetrahedral

  
• Molecular geometry: Trigonal Pyramidal

  
• Molecular geometry: Bent

  
• Electron domain geometry: Trigonal planar

  
• Electron domain geometry: Tetrahedral

  
• Electron domains orient themselves around a central atom to reduce the repulsion between them by maximising distance.
• Electron domain geometry: Tetrahedral