Lone pairs of electrons

Definition

Pairs of valence electrons on an atom that are not involved in bonding.

Oxygen in water carries two lone pairs in addition to the electrons in its two covalent bonds. These unshared pairs occupy space near the oxygen nucleus and strongly repel the bonding electrons, forcing the molecule to bend. The lone pairs also provide two of the four sites where a water molecule can accept hydrogen bonds.

Related concepts

Hydrogen bond · Valence electrons · Polar molecule

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry