Examine octahedral molecular geometry using the Indigo VSEPR model set. Build AX6 structures like SF6 to visualize 90° bond angles and molecular symmetry.
Visualize octahedral molecular geometry with the Indigo® VSEPR Model Set. Build the AX6 structure to show six bonding pairs arranged symmetrically around a central atom, each separated by 90°. This shape illustrates how six electron domains minimize repulsion to form a perfectly balanced, three-dimensional arrangement.
The Lewis structure of this molecule has octahedral electron geometry which produces VSEPR model shapes with 6 bonded or lone pairs all set 90 degrees apart.
| Learning Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Identify Octahedral Geometry | Recognize six bonding pairs arranged symmetrically at 90° around a central atom. |
| Understand Symmetry and Bond Angles | Relate the octahedral shape to molecular symmetry and predict identical bond lengths. |
| Relate Geometry to Real Molecules | Model examples such as SF6 and XeF6 to observe three-dimensional structure. |
| Explore Lone Pair Distortions | Examine square pyramidal (AX5E) and square planar (AX4E2) variants. |
| Connect Shape and Properties | Discuss how octahedral geometry influences molecular polarity and intermolecular forces. |
| P/N | Description | QTY |
|---|---|---|
| 68186-20 | Wobbly bond, 20mm, each | 50 |
| 68216C | Atom, Orbit, H "a", white, 1 prong | 20 |
| 68221C | Atom, Orbit, Cl "a", green, 1 prong | 30 |
| 68225C | Atom, Orbit, C "b", 180 degree, black | 1 |
| 68241C | Atom, Orbit, C "j", planar: 120-120-120, black | 2 |
| 68244C | Atom, Orbit, C "k", tetrahedral, black | 3 |
| 68258C | Atom, Orbit "l", octahedral, grey | 5 |
| 68259C | Atom, Orbit, C "m", trigonal bipyramidal, black | 4 |
| 68416C | Orbital for showing lone electron pair, white, Orbit style | 10 |
| 68417C | Orbital for showing lone electron pair, black, Orbit style | 10 |
The parts listed on this page are for the entire kit, not the molecules(s) shown. You can augment this geometry with additional pieces listed on the Orbit Components page.