Molecular Shape

[melodyzaki2E]

When we draw molecules with more than one lone pair around the central atom, how do we depict that that is a trigonal planar or a tetrahedral since its not as obvious as those with atoms attached?

[Porus_Karwa_2E]

We won't be required to draw a VSEPR model, but a tetrahedral model doesn't have any lone pairs as exhibited in CH4.

[Albert Duong 4C]

Usually, when there are lone pairs involved instead of an atom(s), the shape will look similar, but the name and bond angles of the shape are slightly different. For example, instead of 4 atoms, a molecule may have 2 atoms and 2 lone pairs. This is called an angular or bent shape and will have bond angles that are less than 109 degrees because the lone pair's repulsion is greater than a bonding pair. A chart of different shapes: