Why do lone pair electrons repel each other more strongly ?

In summary, according to VSEPR theory, lone pairs repel each other more strongly than bonding pairs do, resulting in a bending of the molecule and determining its geometry. This is due to the fact that bonding electrons are involved in a sigma bond and are at a greater distance from the nucleus of the central atom, while lone pairs have a stronger repulsion due to the fact that they are not involved in a bond. This concept can be further explored in lectures on basic chemistry.
  • #1
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In VSEPR theory, lone pairs repel each other more strongly than bonding pairs do, therefore they bend the molecule and determine its geometry.

But why does that happen? What makes the repulsion stronger?

Thanks for your help
 
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  • #2
annatar said:
In VSEPR theory, lone pairs repel each other more strongly than bonding pairs do, therefore they bend the molecule and determine its geometry.

But why does that happen? What makes the repulsion stronger?

Thanks for your help

Because a bonding electron pair is involved in a sigma bond with another atom. Hence is at a greater distance from the nucleus of the central atom than a non bonding pair. I think you can find explained in those lectures all basic concepts of chemistry

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Chemistry/5-112Fall-2005/VideoLectures/index.htm
 
  • #3
There are two points of importance, here:
1. The repulsion between electrons on different atoms is much smaller than between electrons on the same atom.
2. In a truly covalent bond, there is only one electron of the two per bond (at least on the mean) at a given atom as compared to two in a lone pair.

This is most clear in the limit, where the atoms are very far apart.
 

What are lone pair electrons?

Lone pair electrons are unshared electrons found in the valence shell of an atom. They are usually represented as two dots above or next to the atomic symbol.

Why do lone pair electrons repel each other?

Lone pair electrons repel each other because they have the same negative charge and therefore experience a repulsive force. This is known as the "lone pair repulsion" or "lone pair effect".

How does the strength of lone pair repulsion compare to bond pair repulsion?

Lone pair repulsion is stronger than bond pair repulsion. This is because lone pair electrons are closer to the nucleus and therefore experience a stronger force of repulsion compared to bond pair electrons, which are shared between two atoms.

What is the significance of lone pair repulsion in molecules?

Lone pair repulsion plays a significant role in determining the shape and geometry of molecules. It affects the bond angles and overall structure of a molecule, which in turn affects its physical and chemical properties.

How can lone pair repulsion be minimized in a molecule?

Lone pair repulsion can be minimized by placing lone pairs in the equatorial positions of a molecule with a trigonal bipyramidal or octahedral geometry. This allows for the maximum distance between lone pairs, reducing the repulsive force.

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