Who first introduced the idea of a relationship between molecular geometry and the number of valence electrons in the 1940s?

The correct answer is Sidgwick and Powell.Key Points

• Sidgwick and Powell were the first to introduce the idea of a relationship between molecular geometry and the number of valence electrons in the 1940s.
• This idea is now known as the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
• Based on the number of valence shell electron bond pairs between the atoms in a molecule or ion, the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory serves as a model to predict 3-D molecular shape.
• According to this hypothesis, electron pairs will orient themselves to reduce mutual repulsion.

Additional Information

• Bent and Nyholm were also notable chemists who made contributions to the understanding of molecular geometry and chemical bonding.
  • He is honored by Bent's rule, which states that the orbital hybridization of a core atom depends on the electronegativities of the substituents bonded to it. 
  • Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Australian chemist Nyholm was a prominent player in the field of inorganic chemistry.
• Hendricus van 't Hoff established the principles of stereochemistry and developed the hypothesis of the tetrahedral carbon atom in his pamphlet from 1874.
• In 1828, Nicol created the Nicol prism, which was the first tool for getting plane-polarized light.
• German physicist Walter Heinrich Heitler made advances in quantum field theory and quantum electrodynamics.
  • Through his theory of valence bonding, he brought chemistry under the purview of quantum mechanics.
• British scientist Gillespie was an expert in the area of molecular geometry.
• Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
• Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical reactions.