What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in an amine?
Correct Answer: sp3 hybridized
- Step 1: Identify the nitrogen atom in the amine molecule.
- Step 2: Count the number of bonds the nitrogen atom forms with other atoms (usually with hydrogen or carbon).
- Step 3: Determine if there are any lone pairs of electrons on the nitrogen atom.
- Step 4: For amines, nitrogen typically forms three bonds and has one lone pair.
- Step 5: Use the number of bonds and lone pairs to find the hybridization: 3 bonds + 1 lone pair = 4 regions of electron density.
- Step 6: Recognize that 4 regions of electron density correspond to sp3 hybridization.
- Step 7: Conclude that the nitrogen atom in an amine is sp3 hybridized and has a tetrahedral geometry.
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