Question

What is the molecular structure about the nitrogen atom in trimethyl amine and in the trimethyl ammonium ion, (CH₃)CH₃NH⁺? What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in trimethyl amine and in the trimethyl ammonium ion?

a) Trigonal Planar, sp² hybridization

b) Tetrahedral, sp³ hybridization

c) Linear, sp hybridization

d) Trigonal Pyramidal, sp³ hybridization

Answer 1

The molecular structure of nitrogen in trimethyl amine is trigonal pyramidal, while in the trimethyl ammonium ion, it is tetrahedral. The hybridization of the nitrogen in both compounds is sp³.The correct answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular structure about the nitrogen atom in trimethyl amine is trigonal pyramidal, while in the trimethyl ammonium ion, it is tetrahedral.

The hybridization of the nitrogen atom in trimethyl amine is sp³, allowing it to form three sigma bonds with three hydrogen atoms and have one lone pair of electrons.

The hybridization of the nitrogen atom in the trimethyl ammonium ion is also sp³, as it still forms three sigma bonds with three hydrogen atoms, but now has a positive charge.The correct answer is option D.