Valence Bond (VB) Theory | Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory |
|---|---|
Valence Bond Theory explains how atoms combine to form di and polyatomic molecules held by covalent bonds. | VSEPR theory considers shape, molecular geometry, and bond angles as an after-effect of covalent bond formation. The molecules take up various shapes to overcome the electron repulsions between the bonding and nonbonding electrons of the combining atoms. |
It proposes overlapping atomic orbitals to explain bonding between diatomic molecules like H2. Hybridization, a modification of Valence Bond theory, explains bonding in polyatomic molecules like CH4. | VSEPR theory is an extension of the Valence Bond Theory. It credits bond angle to a central atom that undergoes hybridization to form the maximum number of bonds with other substituent atoms. |
According to VB theory, orbital overlap can occur in two ways- head-on and sideways. Head-on overlap of the atomic orbitals can form a sigma bond (single bond ), and sideways overlap forms pie bonds (double and triple bonds). | The central atom shares electrons with other atoms and forms bonds, the electrons in the bonds start to repel each other. So, it will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions by maximizing the distance between them, thereby creating bond angles. |
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