Linear Shape of Molecules

Introduction 

The VSEPR theory was introduced by Powell and Sidgwick in 1940. This theory is mainly used for predicting a molecule’s shape from the electron pairs. In this article, we will discuss the VSEPR theory, Linear Shape of molecules and other related topics. 

VSEPR theory 

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory, commonly known as the VSEPR theory, was initially introduced in 1940 by Sidgwick and Powell. This theory is dependent on the premise that repulsion stickers between the valence electrons in each atom, and all atoms will rearrange themselves in a way that the electron pair repulsion is minimised on its own. Another name of the VSEPR theory is the Gillespie-Nyholm theory. 

What is the VSEPR Number? 

The VSEP number is responsible for describing the molecule shape, as described in the table below- 

The VSEPR Theory Postulates

Here are the VSEPR theory postulates:

• Molecules constitute three or more atoms; these are polyatomic molecules. 
• The shape of the molecule is decided by the complete number of valence shell electron pairs.
• The electron pair possesses the ability to orient itself in a way that it reduces the electron-electron repulsion and increases the distance between the two.  
• The valence shell is at times treated as a sphere; however, the pairs of electrons are localised in a way that the distance between the two increases. 
• The VSEPR theory can be applied easily to a molecule’s resonance structure. 
• The repulsion strength is the weakest in two bond pairs and strongest in two lone pairs. 
• In case the pair of electrons are close to one another, they are most likely to repel. It leads to an increase in molecular energy. 
• In case the pair of electrons are far from one another, they will not repel. As a result, the energy of molecules decreases. 

The VSEPR Theory as a Tool

 The VSEPR theory can be defined as a tool used to predict a molecule’s shape from the pair of electrons that surround the molecule’s central atom. The atoms come in contact with each other to build molecules, whereas molecules come in contact to form compounds and elements. Chemical bonds can lead to three types of interaction between atoms. These include- 

• Electron exchange
• Co-ordinate
• Sharing

The VSEPR theory Limitations 

Like everything on this planet, the VSEPR theory also has certain drawbacks or limitations. These include- 

• The VSEPR theory does not clearly explain the isoelectronic species. Despite consisting of the same electrons, the shapes of species may vary from one another. 
• The VSEPR theory tends to predict that the group of two halides is most likely to have a linear structure; however, it consists of one bent structure. 
• Another major drawback of the VSEPR theory is that no light is shed upon the transition metal compounds as per the VSEPR theory. The structure of such compounds is not described appropriately in this theory. 

Predicting Molecular Geometry through the VSEPR Theory

To predict the molecular shape correctly, the below-mentioned steps need to be taken into consideration- 

• The lowest electronegative atom needs to be selected as the main atom as it consists of the maximum ability to share its electrons along with several other atoms that belong to molecules. 
• The electrons that belong to the central atom’s outermost shell should be counted. 
• The electrons that belong to other atoms used in the bond should be counted. 

Linear Molecule Shape 

• CO2 

A molecule with no lone electron pair and two bonded atoms. In this type of molecule, carbon constitutes four electrons to form a bond, and every oxygen atom donates an electron’s pair. The major focus is on a central atom; as a result, the electron’s lone pair on the oxygen atoms do not play a critical role in determining a molecule’s geometry. 

• BeF2

BeF2 is another molecule type that constitutes two places in a valence shell. These need to be arranged systematically in a way that they point in different directions to minimise repulsion. 

Conclusion 

With this, we come to the end of our study material on the linear shape of molecules. It is a crucial topic of chemistry; therefore, a thorough understanding is a must. It can be concluded that the Lewis electron-pair theory is not the most suitable one for finding a number of lone pairs and structures of molecules, whereas the VSEPR model is most likely to be used to determine the structure of molecules. 

In this article, we studied the linear shape of molecules in length. We also covered other important concepts, such as the VSEPR theory, in detail. In the end, we discussed the limitations of the theory. This study material on the linear shape of molecules must have helped attain a greater understanding of the linear shape of molecules and other related topics.