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Is the lone pair on the nitrogen atom in compound B localized and available to function as a base?

1) True
2) False

User Izissise
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The lone pair on a nitrogen atom is typically localized and is available to function as a base both in the Bronsted-Lowry sense, by accepting protons, and in the Lewis sense, by donating an electron pair. The statement could be either true or false based on the structural characteristics of compound B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lone pair on the nitrogen atom in a compound can indeed be localized and available to function as a base. This is because nitrogen typically forms three bonds and has one lone pair of electrons, which in the case of ammonia (NH3), allows it to function as both a Bronsted and a Lewis base. In the Bronsted-Lowry theory, a base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions (protons), whereas in the Lewis theory, a base is an electron pair donor. Ammonia, with its available electron pair, can accept a proton to become NH4+, demonstrating its Bronsted base activity, and it can donate this pair to other electron-pair acceptors, exemplifying its Lewis base character.

In the context of hybridization, nitrogen is usually sp³ hybridized, which supports the presence of a lone pair that contributes to the trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. This electronic configuration allows the lone pair to act as a hydrogen bond acceptor in addition to participating in basic behavior.

User Ricker Silva
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