Seesaw Molecular Geometry

What is seesaw molecular geometry?

Seesaw molecular geometry refers to a specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule. In this geometry, there is a central atom surrounded by four outer atoms and one lone pair of electrons. The arrangement resembles a seesaw, hence the name. This molecular geometry plays a crucial role in determining the physical and chemical properties of the molecule.

What are the types of seesaw molecular geometry?

There are two types of seesaw molecular geometry: AX4E and AX3E2. In the AX4E type, the central atom is bonded to four other atoms and has one lone pair of electrons. In the AX3E2 type, the central atom is bonded to three other atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons. These two types of seesaw molecular geometry are differentiated based on the number of lone pairs on the central atom.

AX4E
AX3E2

How to complete seesaw molecular geometry

To complete seesaw molecular geometry, follow these steps:

01
Identify the central atom in the molecule.
02
Determine the number of atoms bonded to the central atom.
03
Count the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom.
04
Based on the number of bonded atoms and lone pairs, determine the type of seesaw molecular geometry (AX4E or AX3E2).
05
Arrange the atoms and lone pairs around the central atom to achieve the seesaw molecular geometry.
06
Verify that the resulting molecule follows the rules of seesaw molecular geometry.

By following these steps, you can successfully determine and achieve the seesaw molecular geometry for a given molecule.

Video Tutorial How to Fill Out seesaw molecular geometry

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Questions & answers

Seesaw Molecular Geometry Angle The lone pair is in an equatorial position, which allows for 120 and 90 degree bond angles, whereas the axial position only allows for 90 degree bond angles.
This shape is caused by a lone pair of electrons on the central atom. An example of a seesaw shaped molecule is sulfur tetrafluoride, or SF4. Sulfur is the central atom, two fluorine atoms are on the equatorial plane, and two are on the axial plane.
If there are no lone pairs then the molecular geometry matches the electronic and is trigonal bipyramid. The base bond angles are 180°, 120°, and 90°.
The seesaw shape maximizes the bond angles of the single lone pair and the other atoms in the molecule. The lone pair is in an equatorial position offering 120 and 90 degree bond angles, compared to only 90 degree bond angles if placed at the axial position.
SF4 molecular geometry is see-saw with one pair of valence electrons. The nature of the molecule is polar. These atoms form a trigonal bipyramidal shape.
So, it have tetrahedral shape.