CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Hello!

How would the VSEPR formula be written for a central atom that is a radical? Usually the subscript by E denotes a lone pair (ex. E2 means there are 2 lone pairs or 4 lone pair electrons). Thank you!

E represents lone electron pairs. so to my understanding, it has to be a pair, if not then it is not counted for.

radical electrons are counted as regions of electron density, just like the lone pairs are. They both account for E part of the VSEPR formula.

I think since there is an unpaired electron, the half-filled lone-pair orbital would demand less space. So if it demands less space than a full one then the bond angle would open up slightly. Someone correct me if I am off please haha. An example of this would be NO2

I think you’re right Mariah. Even though a radical would still be counted as a region of electron density just like a lone pair, because there is only one electron, it won’t repel the shared electrons as much as a lone pair would, therefore resulting in a larger bond angle.