Advanced VSEPR Theory Molecular Model Kit

Summary of VSEPR Shapes

The Indigo® VSEPR Model Kit 68823W illustrates all five VSEPR geometry families.

• The trigonal bipyramidal central atoms support four configurations:  AX₅, AX₄E, AX₃E₂, and AX₂E₃ for equatorial lone pair preference physically demonstrable across the entire group.
• The octahedral central atoms support three configurations: AX₆, AX₅E, and AX₄E₂ where the opposing lone pair arrangement of square planar geometry made visually explicit by the two-color paddle system.
• The three tetrahedral central atoms support AX₄, AX₃E, and AX₂E₂ configurations demonstrate the progressive bond angle compression from 109.5° in CH₄ to 107° in NH₃ to 104.5° in H₂O, three of the most important molecules in chemistry compared side by side.
• The two trigonal planar central atoms cover AX₃ and AX₂E configurations, connecting planar geometry to sp² hybridization and molecular reactivity. The single linear central atom demonstrates AX₂ geometry, and used alongside XeF₂ built from the trigonal bipyramidal atom, makes the crucial distinction between molecular shape and electron geometry tangible in a way no diagram achieves.
• Peripheral atoms are supplied in 2 colors, usually white along with either green or red and are fully interchangeable. They indicate position type rather than element identity, allowing substitution as needed without affecting the geometry being demonstrated.
• Two-color lone pair paddles in black and white allow tutors to visually distinguish individual lone pairs within a configuration, a particularly useful feature in the seesaw, T-shaped, and square planar geometries where lone pair placement relative to bonding atoms is the key teaching point.

Related information or images

Linear

Trigonal Planar

Tetrahedral

Trigonal Bipyramidal

Octahedral

Polarity

Variations/Distorted Geometries

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

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