centralatom
The central atom is the atom at the center of a molecule or ion around which other atoms are arranged. In covalent compounds, it is typically the atom that forms the most bonds and helps determine the molecular geometry, as described by VSEPR theory. In many simple molecules the central atom is the least electronegative element other than hydrogen, though there are notable exceptions.
Identifying the central atom involves considering bond formation and structural constraints. The central atom is usually
Examples illustrate common patterns. In methane, CH4, carbon is the central atom with sp3 hybridization, yielding
In coordination chemistry, the central atom is the metal center around which ligands bind. The electronic configuration