Unshared electrons

Definition

Unshared electrons, also known as lone pairs or non-bonding electrons, are valence electrons that are not involved in forming bonds with other atoms.

Related terms

Valence Electrons:

These are the outermost electrons in an atom that participate in chemical bonding.

Lewis Structure:

A diagram that shows the arrangement of valence electrons around atoms in a molecule.

VSEPR Theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion): A theory used to predict the shape of individual molecules based on the extent of electron-pair electrostatic repulsion.