Chemistry · Chapter 7

VSEPR Shape Machine

Set the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs. The model works out where every domain goes, then names the domain shape and the molecular shape.

The molecule AX4

Molecular shape built from the domain count

Count the domains

Bonding pairs (X)4
Lone pairs (E)0

Total domains must land between 2 and 6, and you need at least 2 bonds for a shape to name.

The verdict

Domains
4
Example
CH4
Electron-domain shape
Tetrahedral
Molecular shape
Tetrahedral
    What you are seeing
    Four bonds, no lone pairs
    Four domains spread to the corners of a tetrahedron.