What is the vsepr model for CO2?

1 Answer
mrpauller.weebly.com
May 23, 2014

We can use VESPR theory to predict a linear shape for the molecule CO_2 because of its AX_2 status.

VESPR stands for valence shell electron pair repulsion. This theory basically says that bonding and non-bonding electron pairs of the central atom in a molecule will repel (push away from) each other in three dimensional space and this gives the molecules their shape.
We can use the following notations when examining a Lewis structure of a molecule.

A = central atom
X = peripheral atoms
E = non-bonding electron pairs of the central atom

AX_2 = linear molecule
AX_3 = trigonal planar
AX_3E = trigonal pyrimidal
AX_2E_2 = bent
AX_4 = tetrahedral molecule

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