VSEPR theory and molecular shapes
Chemical Bonding (Basics) · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
Controls
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Study notes
Predict the shapes of CH₄, NH₃ and H₂O using VSEPR. CH₄ (AX₄): 4 bond pairs, 0 lone pairs → tetrahedral, 109.5°. NH₃ (AX₃E): 3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair → trigonal pyramidal; lone pair squeezes angle to 107°. H₂O (AX₂E₂): 2 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs → bent; two lone pairs squeeze to 104.5°. Same steric number 4, but lone pairs bend the shape and shrink angles.