The VSEPR Theory of Molecular Geometry

Back to VSEPR Menu

Five electron domains around a central atom is known generally as trigonal bipyramidal and has four major variations you should know:

AX₅ - trigonal bipyramid
AX₄E - disphenoidal
AX₃E₂ - T-shaped
AX₃E₃ - linear

AX₅ - Trigonal bipyramid

Molecule	Lewis Structure	3-D Structure	Comments
PF5			trigonal bipyramid
OSF4			The color red is simply there to help tell the electron pairs apart. It serves no other function.

AX₄E - Disphenoidal

Molecule	Lewis Structure	3-D Structure	Comments
SF4			disphenoidal

AX₃E₂ - T-shaped

Molecule	Lewis Structure	3-D Structure	Comments
ClF3			T-shaped

AX₂E₃ - Linear

Molecule	Lewis Structure	3-D Structure	Comments
I3¯			linear