An AB5 molecule adopts the geometry shown here. (b) Do you think there are any nonbonding electron pairs on atom A?

Key Concepts

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. In the case of an AB5 molecule, where 'A' is the central atom and 'B' represents five surrounding atoms, the geometry is typically trigonal bipyramidal. Understanding this geometry is crucial for predicting the spatial orientation of the atoms and the potential presence of lone pairs.

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs, whether bonding or nonbonding, will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which helps determine the molecular shape and the presence of lone pairs.

Lone Pairs

Lone pairs are pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding and are localized on a single atom. In the context of the AB5 molecule, the presence of lone pairs on atom A would influence its geometry and the angles between the surrounding B atoms. Identifying lone pairs is essential for accurately predicting molecular shape and reactivity.