Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Lone pairs refer to pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in covalent bond formation. They belong entirely to one atom.
Related terms
Bonding Pair: This is a pair of electrons shared between two atoms, forming a covalent bond.
VSEPR Theory: The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory predicts the shape of individual molecules based on the extent of electron-pair electrostatic repulsion.
A measure of how strongly an atom can attract a bonding pair; it often determines whether the pair remains shared (bonding) or becomes unshared (lone).