Question

Which of the following numbers of electron groups can give rise to a bent (V-shaped) molecule: two, three, four, five, six? Draw an example for each case, showing the shape classification (AXmEn) and the ideal bond angle.

Short answer

Any electron pair which is equal to four of more than four electrons or two or more electron pairs can give rise to a bent shape molecule as the bent shape depends upon the bonds involved in the geometry, not on the electron pair present on the atom.

Step-by-step solution

Valence shell electron-pair repulsion theory

According to this theory, the formation of the shape of a molecule can be determined easily by the electron present in the valence shell but the shape changes because of the presence of the electron itself. As electron can exist in the form of lone pair, electron pair, single electron, and double-triple bond. There is the presence of repulsion between electron-electron, lone pair-bond pair, and bond pair-bond pair which change the shape of the molecule.

The octet rule may be defined as the maximum of 8 electrons that can be filled in an orbital of an atom. It can be completed by sharing or giving the electrons to become stable.

Explanation with example

There is the involvement of different bond pairs in the molecule having a single, double bond. The electron-pair can be involved in the bent shape be four and more electrons form two or more electron-pair forming bonds. Here, we take examples of water and nitrous oxide.