Asked by Lucy
How do you tell if a molecular shape (VSEPR) is symmetrical or asymmetrical?
I know that if it has lone pairs, it must be asymmetrical, but are there any other factors that could make it asymmetrical?
I know that if it has lone pairs, it must be asymmetrical, but are there any other factors that could make it asymmetrical?
Answers
Answered by
DrBob222
A lone pair of electrons (or more in some cases) may make the molecule asymmetrical. Also, no lone pairs BUT different elements attached. For example, CH4 is symmetrical but CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3 are asymmetrical. The octahedral, AX6, is symmetrical but AX5Y is not symmetrical.
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