Question

How do you determine if a molecule is linear?

Answer 1

VSEPR theory:

• It stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory.
• It is based on the concept that all atoms have a repulsion between their pairs of valence electrons, and that the atoms will organize themselves to minimize this repulsion.
• It is used to determine the shape of molecules based on the electron pairs surrounding the molecule's main atoms.
• The molecule will be linear if the central atom in the molecule forms a two sigma bond and has no lone pair on it.
• The general formula for these types of compounds is${\mathrm{AX}}_2$.
• Example:${\mathrm{CO}}_2$. It has carbon as its central atom joined with a double bond to the two surrounding oxygen atoms leaving no lone pair of electrons on the carbon atom

• In the figure above, the dot represents the lone pair of electrons.