Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) Predicts the shapes of molecules o Works very well for octets and for "expanded octets"(2nd and 3rd row elements) Doesn't work at all for transition metal complexes--too many groups and electrons to allow the use of sterics alone VIll-3Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) • Predicts the shapes of molecules • Works very well for octets and for “expanded octets” (2nd and 3rd row elements) • Doesn’t work at all for transition metal complexes--too many groups and electrons to allow the use of sterics alone VIII-3