L

Lone Pair

What is Lone Pair?

A lone pair is a pair of valence electrons in an atom that are not shared with another atom in a covalent bond. Lone pairs influence molecular geometry (as described by VSEPR theory) and can be donated to form coordinate bonds (Lewis base behaviour). For example, water (H₂O) has two lone pairs on oxygen, which cause its bent geometry and hydrogen bonding ability.

Key Facts

Term Lone Pair

Frequently Asked Questions

A lone pair is a pair of valence electrons in an atom that are not shared with another atom in a covalent bond. Lone pairs influence molecular geometry (as described by VSEPR theory) and can be donated to form coordinate bonds (Lewis base behaviour). For example, water (H₂O) has two lone pairs on oxygen, which cause its bent geometry and hydrogen bonding ability.

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