Seesaw Molecular Geometry

What is Molecular Geometry?

The three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that make up a molecule is known as molecular geometry. It contains the molecule’s overall form, as well as bond lengths, bond angles, torsional angles, and any other geometrical characteristics that govern each atom’s position.

What is Seesaw Molecular Geometry?

Seesaw molecular geometry is a type of molecular geometry in which four bonds connect to a central atom, resulting in overall C_2v (point group) molecular symmetry. The name “seesaw” is derived from the fact that it resembles a playground seesaw.

Table of Contents

• Seesaw Molecular Geometry Angle
• Seesaw Molecular Geometry Lone Pairs
• Seesaw Molecular Geometry Examples
• Hybridization of Seesaw Molecular Geometry
• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Seesaw Molecular Geometry Angle

The single lone pair’s bond angles, as well as those of the other atoms in the molecule, are maximised by the seesaw form. The lone pair is in an equatorial position, which allows for 120 and 90 degree bond angles, whereas the axial position only allows for 90 degree bond angles.

We have 5 regions of electron density (trigonal bipyramidal) for the seesaw form, consisting of 4 bonded pairs and 1 lone pair. Normally, the molecule has 120 degree angles between the three atoms that make up the “trigonal” component of the shape and 90 degree angles between the two atoms that make up the “bipyramidal” part of the shape in reference to the other atoms when all of these regions are bonding.

Seesaw Molecular Geometry Lone Pairs

Seesaw geometry is a form of molecular geometry in which the central atom has one lone pair of electrons and is coupled to four bonding groups.

AX₄E is an example of a seesaw-shaped molecule. Compared to trigonal pyramidal and tetrahedral molecules, these compounds are substantially less prevalent. Four neighbouring atoms surround the central atom, two on the same plane (axial) and two below (equatorial).

A lone pair of electrons on the central atom causes this form. Sulphur tetrafluoride, or SF₄, is an example of a seesaw-shaped molecule. The core element is sulphur, with two fluorine atoms on the equatorial plane and two on the axial plane. The F-S-F axial plane forms a 173-degree angle with an length of 3.28 Angstroms, which can be attributed to the lone pair of electrons on the S atom.

Seesaw Molecular Geometry Examples

The seesaw molecules behave similarly to trigonal bipyramidal molecules in that they go through a Berry pseudorotation phase. The four moving atoms, in this case, four fluorine rotating around one sulphur, operate as a lever around the central atom.

The molecular geometry of a seesaw can be found in the following examples.

SF₄, TeCl₄, IF₂O₂^–, IOF₃, ClF₄⁺, IF₄⁺

Due to electron-electron repulsion, we want to locate a lone pair as far away from the bonding pairs as possible. When we place it in the “trigonal” area of the shape, the lone pair and the other two bonding pairs in the same plane form a 120-degree angle, while the other two perpendicular bonding pairs form a 90-degree angle. When the lone pair is put at the “top” or “bottom” (perpendicular plane) of the molecule, every bond angle is 90 degrees, which is substantially smaller than some of the 120-degree angles attainable with the other location.

No of Electron Pairs (Lewis Structure)	Arrangement of Electron Pairs	No of Bond Pairs	No of Lone Pairs	Molecular geometry
5		4	1	See saw

If there are lone pairs of electrons present, the electron pair distribution and molecule geometry are altered. Remove one “arm” of the structure for each lone pair present after determining the arrangement of electron pairs.

Hybridization of Seesaw Molecular Geometry

A lone pair of electrons on the central atom causes this form. Sulphur tetrafluoride, or SF₄, is an example of a seesaw-shaped molecule. The core element is sulphur, with two fluorine atoms on the equatorial plane and two on the axial plane.

The form of SF₂Cl₂ is see-saw-like. Sulphur is sp³d hybridised in the molecule SF₂Cl₂ and has four coordination numbers due to its four bonds, two with chlorine and two with fluorine. Because it resembles a seesaw, SF₂Cl₂ is considered to be in seesaw shape. Molecular geometry in the form of a seesaw. The name “seesaw” is derived from the fact that it resembles a playground seesaw. Tetrahedral or, less typically, square planar shape results from four links to a central atom. The seesaw geometry is peculiar, just like its name suggests.

For example, the Hybridization of SF₄ (Sulphur Tetrafluoride) is

One lone pair exists on the central sulphur atom, which is linked to four fluorine atoms. Five hybrid orbitals have been created. Hybridization involves one 3s orbital, three 3p orbitals, and one 3d orbital. With one pair of valence electrons, the molecular geometry of SF₄ is a see-saw. There are both axial and equatorial bonds in it.