What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in a primary amine?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in a primary amine?
sp
sp2
sp3
sp3d
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in a primary amine?
Correct Answer: sp3
Step 1: Understand what a primary amine is. A primary amine has one nitrogen atom bonded to one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms.
Step 2: Identify the number of bonds around the nitrogen atom. In a primary amine, the nitrogen forms three bonds: one with carbon and two with hydrogen.
Step 3: Determine the number of lone pairs on the nitrogen atom. Nitrogen has one lone pair of electrons.
Step 4: Count the total number of regions of electron density around the nitrogen atom. There are three bonds and one lone pair, making a total of four regions of electron density.
Step 5: Use the VSEPR theory to determine the hybridization. Four regions of electron density correspond to sp3 hybridization.
Step 6: Conclude that the nitrogen atom in a primary amine is sp3 hybridized.
