Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Lone-pair electrons are pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding and remain localized on a particular atom. These electron pairs can influence molecular shape and reactivity in organic compounds.
AP course connection
Topic 1.4: 1.4 Development of Chemical Bonding Theory
The measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it is part of a compound.
Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule, influenced by the electron pairs, both bonding and non-bonding (lone pairs)