Dr. Gutow's Molecular Shapes Web Site
Introduction The Model (VSEPR) Examples
Summary Table with Links to Examples You Can Manipulate
VSEPR Summary Table
Number of Groups around central atom Shape when all groups are bonded atoms
Electron geometry and molecular geometry are the same
(click links to see examples you can manipulate)
Sub-Shapes (molecular geometry)
A = central atom, X = atom attached to central atom, E = nonbonding electron group on central atom
(click links to see examples you can manipulate)
Diatomic
(any number of groups) 		Linear Diatomic
diatomic molecule
AX wedge diagram

Linear (AX)

2
 Linear Triatomic
linear triatomic
AX2 wedge diagram

Linear (AX2)

3
 Trigonal Planar
trigonal planar molecule
AX2E wedge diagram

Bent (AX2E)

4 Tetrahedral
tetrahedral molecule
AX4 wedge diagram

Tetrahedral (AX4)

AX2E2 wedge diagram

Bent (AX2E2)
5
 Trigonal Bipyramidal
trigonal bipyramidal molecule
AX4E wedge diagram

See-Saw (AX4E)

AX3E2 wedge diagram

T-Shaped (AX3E2)

AX2E3 wedge diagram

Linear (AX2E3)
6 Octahedral
Octahedral molecule
Last Update: July 25, 2026
Expires: --
J. Gutow