Tetrahedral Geometry
A molecular shape with four bonded atoms directed to the corners of a regular tetrahedron at 109.5°.
Formula / equation
AX₄
Unit
degrees
In depth
This arrangement maximises the separation of four electron domains in three dimensions and corresponds to sp³ hybridisation. It is the single most important geometry in chemistry because it governs saturated carbon, and its three-dimensionality is what makes a carbon bearing four different groups chiral.
Examples in the real world
Methane, the ammonium ion, silicon in quartz, and every sp³ carbon in a diamond lattice.