VSEPR model formula

[marcus lin 1E]

how does the VSEPR model formula work? what if there's two central atoms and two lone pairs on each, would the formula have E4 or E2?

[Louis Zhao 4C]

The VSEPR model formula is a representation of the 3D structure of the molecule. The A in the formula represents the central atom, the X represents the number of bonding pairs, and the E represents the number of unpaired electron pairs. For example SF4 would have a VSEPR formula of AX4E because the Sulfur atom is bonded to 4 Fluorine atoms and has 1 pair of unpaired electrons. AX4E would result in a seesaw molecular shape.

[Venya Vaddi 1L]

In the case that there are two central atoms, I believe you would write the VSEPR formula for each central atom separately since we identify molecular shape around each central atom separately as well.

[daniela3D]

It is meant to predict geometry of a molecule based on lone pairs and attached atoms. In order to solve the formula learn how to identify the bonding electron pairs and lone pairs.