Bent Geometry
A molecular shape in which two bonded atoms form an angle at a central atom that also carries one or more lone pairs.
Formula / equation
AX₂E or AX₂E₂
Unit
degrees
In depth
Lone pairs occupy more angular space than bonding pairs, so the observed angle falls below the ideal value for the parent electron geometry. The asymmetry means bond dipoles cannot cancel, which is why bent molecules are almost always polar.
Examples in the real world
Water at 104.5° from a tetrahedral parent; SO₂ at 119° from a trigonal planar parent; ozone at 117°.