Molecular Geometry — Key Discoveries

Key Discoveries

Sidgwick-Powell Theory (1940)

1940

This seminal work by Nevil Sidgwick and Herbert Powell laid the initial groundwork for VSEPR theory. They proposed that the geometry of a molecule is primarily determined by the…

Gillespie-Nyholm Refinement of VSEPR Theory (1957)

1957

Ronald Gillespie and Ronald Nyholm significantly refined the Sidgwick-Powell model, transforming it into the widely accepted VSEPR theory. Their key contribution was recognizing…

Pauling's Hybridization Theory (1931)

1931

Linus Pauling introduced the concept of orbital hybridization to explain the observed geometries of molecules, particularly the equivalence of bonds in molecules like methane…