AX3 and AX2E

Molecular Shapes (AX₃and AX₂E Configurations)

Molecules in this category may have three or four atoms. The configuration is specified as AX₃ for the case with four total atoms and AX₂E for the case with only three atoms. The "E" represents the electron group that is not involved in bonding. Molecules of the type AX₃ are trigonal planar and molecules of the type AX₂E are bent.

**Example AX₃ Molecules (Trigonal Planar)**
BF₃		rotatable 3-D image in browser	RasMol file
CO₃^2-	Note that there are two additional resonance structures; thus all the oxygen are equivalent.	rotatable 3-D image in browser	RasMol file
SO₃	Note that there are two additional resonance structures; thus all the oxygen are equivalent.	rotatable 3-D image in browser	RasMol file

**Example AX₂E Molecules (bent)**
SO₂	Note there is an additional resonance structure; thus both oxygens are equivalent.	rotatable 3-D image in browser	RasMol file

Last updated: August 16, 2005
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Molecular Shapes (AX3 and AX2E Configurations)

Molecular Shapes (AX₃and AX₂E Configurations)