Question

Explain the importance of lone pair effect on geometry of molecules.

Answer 1

Lone pairs have the greatest repelling effect because they are closer to the nucleus of the central atom compared to the bonding pairs, therefore they repel other lone pairs greater compared to bonding pairs.

Answer 2

Dear Suman,

◆ Importance of lone pair effect on geometry of molecules -

- Lone pair is a pair of electrons occupying an orbital in an atom or molecule and not directly involved in bonding.

- Presence of lone pair & bond pair changes the shape of the molecule.

- Lone pair always try to repel bond pair which results in bond pairs coming nearer.

- This displacement of bonds decreases the bond angle in a molecule.

- This is how lone pair affects geometry of the molecule.

Hope this helped you. Thanks for asking..