🥼organic chemistry review

Valence bond (VB) theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Valence Bond (VB) Theory is a model in organic chemistry that describes how atoms in a molecule are connected by bonds formed through the overlapping of atomic orbitals, each containing one electron from the bonding atoms. It emphasizes the importance of electron pairs in covalent bonds and explains the molecular shape based on these interactions.