Seesaw Molecular Geometry

Seesaw Molecular Geometry

Seesaw or disphenoidal is a type of molecular geometry where there are four bonds to a central atom with overall C2v symmetry. The name "seesaw" comes from the observation that it looks like a seesaw. Most commonly, four bonds to a central atom result in tetrahedral or, less commonly, square planar geometry, so the seesaw geometry, just like its name, is unusual.

It occurs when a molecule has a steric number of 5, with the central atom being bonded to 4 other atoms and 1 lone pair. An atom bonded to 5 other atoms (and no lone pairs) forms a trigonal bipyramid; but in this case one of the atoms is replaced by a lone pair. The atom replaced is always an equatorial atom, because the lone pairs repel other electrons more strongly than atoms do.

Read more about Seesaw Molecular Geometry:  Structure, Examples, See Also

Famous quotes containing the words seesaw and/or geometry:

    Perhaps if the future existed, concretely and individually, as something that could be discerned by a better brain, the past would not be so seductive: its demands would be balanced by those of the future. Persons might then straddle the middle stretch of the seesaw when considering this or that object. It might be fun.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    I am present at the sowing of the seed of the world. With a geometry of sunbeams, the soul lays the foundations of nature.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)