The nitrogen atom in simple amines is hybridized, but the observed geometry of the molecule is not perfectly tetrahedral. What is the molecular shape of a simple primary amine?

Question

The nitrogen atom in simple amines is $sp^3$ hybridized, but the observed geometry of the molecule is not perfectly tetrahedral. What is the molecular shape of a simple primary amine?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The nitrogen atom is hybridized and possesses four electron domains: three bond pairs and one unshared lone pair. According to VSEPR theory, while the electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, the presence of the lone pair makes the observable molecular geometry (shape) pyramidal.

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