You are at: University of Sheffield » Chemistry » Mark Winter » VSEPR

VSEPR calculation for methane, CH4

The calculation for methane shows that the carbon atom is associated with 8 electrons in the σ framework. This corresponds to four shape-determining electron pairs. The coordination geometry of carbon is consequently tetrahedral. There are four bonded groups, therefore there are no lone pairs.

Methane (CH4)
Lewis structure: CH4.gif
Central atom: carbon
Valence electrons on central atom: 4
4 H each contribute 1 electron: 4
Total: 8
Divide by 2 to give electron pairs 4
4 electron pairs: tetrahedral for the four shape-determining electron pairs
CH4
The geometry of methane, CH4. You can use your mouse to manipulate the molecule in the right hand "Jmol" image.

A VSEPR tutorial on the WWW

VSEPR tutorial on the WWW, URL: http://winter.group.shef.ac.uk/vsepr/
Copyright 1996-2015 Prof Mark Winter [The University of Sheffield]. All rights reserved.
Document served: Tuesday 19th March, 2024