Shapes of Molecules and VSEPR Theory

Examples of central atom with two electron groups

The simplest shape has two groups around the central atom. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is an example of this kind of shape. The two groups of electrons in the two double bonds repel each other and form an angle of 180 degrees.

Two double bonds make two electron clouds

The shape for BeCl2 is the same because there are two groups of electrons around the Be atom.