Predict molecular geometries using Gillespie's VSEPR theory with interactive R visualizations. Analyze lone pair effects, bond angle deviations, and polarity patterns from linear BeCl₂ to octahedral SF₆. Calculate dipole moments and explore electron pair repulsion principles through computational modeling in CoCalc.
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Advanced Chemical Bonding with R in CoCalc - Chapter 4
VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry
This notebook contains Chapter 4 from the main Advanced Chemical Bonding with R in CoCalc notebook.
For the complete course, please refer to the main notebook: Advanced Chemical Bonding with R in CoCalc.ipynb
Chapter 4: VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry
4.1 Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory
Developed by Ronald Gillespie (1957), VSEPR theory predicts molecular geometry based on electron pair repulsion around the central atom.
4.2 Basic VSEPR Geometries
| Electron Pairs | Bonding | Lone | Geometry | Bond Angle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | Linear | 180° | BeCl₂ |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | Trigonal Planar | 120° | BF₃ |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | Bent | <120° | SO₂ |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | Tetrahedral | 109.5° | CH₄ |
| 4 | 3 | 1 | Trigonal Pyramidal | <109.5° | NH₃ |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | Bent | <109.5° | H₂O |
| 5 | 5 | 0 | Trigonal Bipyramidal | 90°/120° | PF₅ |
| 6 | 6 | 0 | Octahedral | 90° | SF₆ |
4.3 Lone Pair Effects
Lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, causing:
Bond angle compression: LP-BP > BP-BP repulsion
Molecular polarity: Asymmetric electron distribution
`geom_smooth()` using formula = 'y ~ x'
🔍 Molecular Geometry Analysis:
================================
# A tibble: 9 × 5
geometry polarity count avg_dipole avg_deviation
<chr> <chr> <int> <dbl> <dbl>
1 Bent Polar 2 1.74 -3
2 Linear Nonpolar 1 0 0
3 Octahedral Nonpolar 1 0 0
4 Square Planar Nonpolar 1 0 0
5 T-shaped Polar 1 0.6 -2.5
6 Tetrahedral Nonpolar 1 0 0
7 Trigonal Bipyramidal Nonpolar 1 0 0
8 Trigonal Planar Nonpolar 1 0 0
9 Trigonal Pyramidal Polar 1 1.47 -2.70
📊 Lone Pairs - Dipole Moment Correlation: 0.550
💡 Lone pairs create molecular asymmetry, leading to polarity!
---## From VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry to Intermolecular Forces and Material PropertiesWe've explored vsepr theory and molecular geometry, understanding how these fundamental concepts shape our understanding of molecular interactions and chemical behavior.But how do these principles extend to intermolecular forces and material properties?In Chapter 5, we'll discover how the concepts we've just learned provide the foundation for understanding even more complex chemical phenomena. You'll see how the principles of bonding and molecular structure directly influence the properties and behaviors we observe in real-world applications.### Journey ForwardThe transition from chapter 4 to chapter 5 represents a natural progression in chemical understanding. The foundational knowledge you've gained here will illuminate the advanced concepts ahead.Continue to Chapter 5: Intermolecular Forces and Material Properties →orReturn to Main Notebook