While the bond angle in simple aliphatic amines is typically compressed to around , the measured bond angle in trimethylamine is notably wider at approximately . What causes this anomalous expansion?

Question

While the $C-N-C$ bond angle in simple aliphatic amines is typically compressed to around $107^\circ$, the measured bond angle in trimethylamine is notably wider at approximately $108^\circ$. What causes this anomalous expansion?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. In trimethylamine, the nitrogen is hybridized. While the lone pair normally compresses the angle, the severe steric hindrance and physical repulsion between the three bulky methyl groups pushes the bond angle back open from to approximately .

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