Molecular Geometry of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - VSEPR Theory

What is the molecular geometry of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)?

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) has 2 electron domains around the central C atom: 2 bonding and 0 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is linear, giving a linear molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 180 degrees.

FormulaCO₂
NameCarbon Dioxide
Central AtomC
Bonding Domains2
Lone Pair Domains0
Total Electron Domains2
Electron Domain GeometryLinear
Molecular GeometryLinear
Bond Angle180°

Electron Domain Count

Carbon has 2 bonding domains. Each C=O double bond counts as a single electron domain. No lone pairs on carbon = 2 total domains.

Electron Domain Geometry

2 electron domains arrange linearly (180° apart) to be as far from each other as possible.

Molecular Geometry

Both domains are bonding pairs, so the molecular geometry is also linear. The three atoms are in a straight line.

Bond Angle

The bond angle is exactly 180°. With only 2 electron domains, the ideal arrangement is a straight line.

See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.

Visualize Carbon Dioxide's Geometry in 3D

Related Topics

Molecular Geometry of Water

VSEPR analysis of H₂O

Molecular Geometry of Methane

VSEPR analysis of CH₄

Molecular Geometry of Ammonia

VSEPR analysis of NH₃

Lewis Structure of CO₂

Draw the Lewis dot structure of Carbon Dioxide

Is Carbon Dioxide Polar or Nonpolar?

Polarity analysis of CO₂

Orbital Hybridization

See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids