Molecular Geometry of Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) - VSEPR Theory
What is the molecular geometry of Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)?
Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) has 4 electron domains around the central F atom: 1 bonding and 3 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, giving a linear molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 0 degrees.
| Formula | HF |
| Name | Hydrogen Fluoride |
| Central Atom | F |
| Bonding Domains | 1 |
| Lone Pair Domains | 3 |
| Total Electron Domains | 4 |
| Electron Domain Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| Molecular Geometry | Linear |
| Bond Angle | 0° |
Electron Domain Count
Fluorine has 1 bonding domain (the H–F bond) and 3 lone pairs = 4 total electron domains.
Electron Domain Geometry
4 electron domains arrange tetrahedrally around fluorine, even though 3 of them are lone pairs.
Molecular Geometry
With only 1 bonding pair, the molecular geometry is simply linear — a diatomic molecule is always linear by definition.
Bond Angle
There is no bond angle to measure — diatomic molecules have only one bond. The geometry is linear by definition.
See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.
Visualize Hydrogen Fluoride's Geometry in 3DRelated Topics
Molecular Geometry of Water
VSEPR analysis of H₂O
Molecular Geometry of Methane
VSEPR analysis of CH₄
Molecular Geometry of Carbon Dioxide
VSEPR analysis of CO₂
Lewis Structure of HF
Draw the Lewis dot structure of Hydrogen Fluoride
Is Hydrogen Fluoride Polar or Nonpolar?
Polarity analysis of HF
Orbital Hybridization
See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids