Electron-pair repulsion theory and molecular shapes, electronegativity and polarity, and the three intermolecular forces.
Shapes of molecules (electron-pair repulsion)
Electron pairs around a central atom repel to be as far apart as possible. Lone pairs repel more than bonding pairs (reducing bond angles by ~2.5° each).
| Bonding pairs | Lone pairs | Shape | Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | linear | 180° |
| 3 | 0 | trigonal planar | 120° |
| 4 | 0 | tetrahedral | 109.5° |
| 3 | 1 | pyramidal | 107° |
| 2 | 2 | bent | 104.5° |
| 6 | 0 | octahedral | 90° |
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