Lone Pairs

[Nikita Patra 3J]

For species that have lone pairs, can their molecular geometry only be v-shaped or trigonal pyramidal?

[Goyama_2A]

No, depending on the bonds and number of lone pairs that are also arranged about the central atom, a molecule with lone pairs can hold a wide variety of molecular shapes.

[Kassidy Ford 1I]

u can think of lone pairs as another region of electron density, so it will effect the shape as if there was another bonding pair

[chari_maya 3B]

Why are lone pairs important in identifying shape when only the position of atoms are considered when naming the shape?

[chari_maya 3B]

Also, how can you predict whether a lone pair will be axial or equatorial?

[Abigail_Hagen2G]

Lone pairs are regions of electron density, so it does need to be taken into consideration. Like an atom with two attached atoms and no lone pairs will be linear, but if a lone pair was added, it would become bent.