Basic VSEPR
Investigate atom geometries using VSEPR rules.
Task
Build and minimize simple molecules to illustrate VSEPR geometry.
For organic-type molecules, use the MMFF94 forcefield.
examples: methane, water, ammonia, etc.
For octahedral-based geometries, use the UFF forcefield which is optimized for all elements.
examples: , , , etc.
Try even 7, 8, or 9 atoms around a central metal - how do the VSEPR rules extend beyond octahedral molecules?
See also
Organic Hybridization
Further readings
Wikipedia: VSEPR theory
Issues
Geometries derived from the trigonal bipyramidal geometry are not currently reliable.
When using the Draw tool, you may wish to uncheck the “Adjust Hydrogens” box.
Categories:
Teaching
Updated: November 26, 2009
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This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://avogadro.cc/teaching/basic_vsepr/