Themes > Science > Chemistry > Inorganic Chemistry > More Information about Chemical Bonding > Chemical Bonding Index > Valence Shell Electron Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) > AX6: Octahedral


When the central atom is surrounded by six things, it has a octahedral geometry, which looks like two sqaure pyramids fused at one base. Unlike the simpler geometries, there are two different bond angles in this molecule between different bonds: 90o and 180o.
Type Bond Angle Example Lewis Structure
AX6: Octahedral 90o, 180o SF6 SF6

If one of the bonded atoms is replaced by a lone pair, the molecule assumes a square pyramid geometry, with a 90o and 180o angles between the bonds. Removing two gives a square planar geometry, still with 90o and 180o angles
Type Bond Angle Example Lewis Structure
AX5E: Square Pyramidal 90o, 180o ClF5 ClF5
AX4E2: Square Planar 90o, 180o XeF4 XeF4


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