Work

Reevaluating Valence-Shell Electron Pair Repulsion and Hybrid Atomic Orbitals in Chemical Education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The validity of the valence-shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) and hybrid orbitals (HO's) in explaining molecular shape has been extensively debated. Here, we provide simple examples that challenge the notion of VSEPR and HO's as the primary determinants of electronic and atomic arrangement in space. Instead, we propose that these approaches are conceptual constructs that require further deconstruction in chemistry (or related disciplines). The introduction of the concept of linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) within the framework of molecular orbital (MO) theory proves to be more insightful. Furthermore, we present a visual representation of how molecular geometry can be effectively explained by MO theory, providing a more realistic approach to understanding this concept.

Source: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202620250766

Authors: SÉRGIO S. THOMASI, PAULO R. DA SILVA, MATHEUS P. FREITAS

Institution: Universidade Federal de Lavras

Language: English

Topic: Chemistry Education and Research

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Awards: G1862978056, G2860684284