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Wize University Chemistry Textbook > VSEPR Shapes and Polarity

VSEPR and Organic Compounds

Molecular PolarityPrevious Section
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VSEPR Theory for Organic Compounds

  • VSEPR theory doesn't change for organic compounds. Just like for organic compounds with Lewis structures, nothing changes in determining the VSEPR/molecular shape, the only difference is now there are multiple central atoms in the molecule (either C, N, or O, typically), and so each of these central atoms will have a VSEPR/molecular shape.

Ex) NH2CH2CH2COO-












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VSEPR Theory of Organic Compounds - Example Problem

Ex) For the compound: p-hydroxytoluene (shown below), describe the VSEPR shape (aka electron geometry) and molecular shape for each carbon and oxygen atom.


Atom: VSEPR shape and molecular shape

O: tetrahedral and bent
CH3 group: tetrahedral and tetrahedral
All other C: trigonal planar and trigonal planar

Practice Question: VSEPR Theory for Organic Compounds

Answer the following questions based on the organic structure below.



Practice Question 2: VSEPR Theory for Organic Compounds

Answer the following questions based on the organic structure below.



Extra Practice
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) or “Molly” is a psychoactive drug commonly used for recreational purposes, which has been investigated as a treatment for PTSD. It functions by triggering serotonin release and inhibiting serotonin reuptake in the human brain, causing euphoric and empathogenic effects on the user. The structure of MDMA is shown below.
Hybridization and Lewis Dot Structure
Consider the following skeleton:
Add lone pairs and multiple bonds as needed and answer the following:
a. Ha-C-Hb bond angle
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) or “Molly” is a psychoactive drug commonly used for recreational purposes, which has been investigated as a treatment for PTSD. It functions by triggering serotonin release and inhibiting serotonin reuptake in the
human brain, causing euphoric and empathogenic effects on the user. The structure of MDMA is shown below.