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Molecular Properties
About VSEPR Theory and Molecular Shape
VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts the 3D shape of molecules based on the idea that electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves to minimise repulsion. Bonding pairs and lone pairs are both considered when determining the electron geometry, but the molecular shape describes only the positions of the atoms.
For example, water (H2O) has 4 electron pairs around oxygen (2 bonding, 2 lone), giving a tetrahedral electron geometry but a bent molecular shape with a bond angle of 104.5°. Understanding molecular shape is essential for predicting properties such as polarity, boiling points and solubility.