PPT Slide

38

Molecular Shapes with Five Electron Groups

Five electron groups maximize their separation forming a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement.

Two types of electron groups and two ideal bond angles.

Three equatorial groups in a trigonal plane with the central atom; two axial groups above and below the plane.

Larger bond angles have weaker repulsions; equatorial-equatorial (120°) repulsions are weaker than axial-equatorial (90°) repulsions.

If all 5 positions hold bonded atoms, the molecule has a trigonal bipyramidal shape, AX5.

Phosphorus pentachloride is an AX 5 example:

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Notes:

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