This lecture will introduce a simple theory of the molecular shape of molecules with a central atom. It is based upon the Lewis model which describes the outermost (valence) electrons as electron pairs localized on an atom or shared between atoms. It is proposed that these electron pairs position themselves as far apart as possible in order to minimizer their repulsions, and this is the major factor influencing molecular shape.
To prepare for this lecture, we suggest that you read section 3-6 of Oxtoby.
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