Homework Help: Chemistry

Posted by Lucy on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 3:36pm.

How do you tell if a molecular shape (VSEPR) is symmetrical or asymmetrical?

I know that if it has lone pairs, it must be asymmetrical, but are there any other factors that could make it asymmetrical?

Chemistry - DrBob222, Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 5:11pm
A lone pair of electrons (or more in some cases) may make the molecule asymmetrical. Also, no lone pairs BUT different elements attached. For example, CH4 is symmetrical but CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3 are asymmetrical. The octahedral, AX6, is symmetrical but AX5Y is not symmetrical.

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