Name: __________________________________________
Molecular Geometry VSEPR Lab
Purpose: To determine the geometry, bond angles, and hybridization of various compounds.
Pre-Lab:
1. Define VSEPR.
2. Identify by name and sketch the ten VSEPR shapes.
3. Explain the difference between bonded and nonbonded electron pairs.
4. Justify how to determine molecular polarity.
Procedure: Draw the Lewis dot structure for the molecule. Count the number of bonded and non-bonded pairs around the central atom.
Determine the piece needed to create your molecule (linear, planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, or octahedral). Then create your molecule
and decide its overall geometry, bond angles, and hybridization. An example is given.
Molecule
H2O
CO2
SO2
CH4
NH3
OF2
HF
PCl5
SF4
ClF3
XeF2
Lewis Structure
Pairs on the
Central Atom
Symmetrical
Piece Needed
Geometry
2 single bonds
2 lone pairs
Tetrahedral
Bent
Bond Hybridization
Angle
109.5
Molecule
Lewis Structure
Pairs on the
Central Atom
Symmetrical
Piece Needed
Geometry
Bond Hybridization
Angle
SF6
BrF5
XeF4
Questions:
1. For the following compounds draw the Lewis structure and give the geometry. What do they all have in common?
N2
Br3CO2
2. For the following compounds with 4 elements, draw the Lewis structure, give the geometry, and state what property made them all
different shapes:
BF3
NH3
ClF3
3. For the following compounds with 5 elements, draw the Lewis structure, give the geometry, and state what property made them all
different shapes:
SiH4
SeI4
XeI4
4. For the following compounds with 6 elements, draw the Lewis structure, give the geometry, and state what property made them all
different shapes:
AsF5
IF5
5. For the following compounds, draw the Lewis structure, give the geometry, and show any dipole moment with an arrow:
PCl6-
PCl4+
IF3
TeI4
BrCl5
TeF4