Amines

To determine the hybridization of nitrogen in diethyl amine (C₄H₁₁N), we first examine the structure of the molecule. Diethyl amine has the formula CH₃CH₂NHCH₂CH₃. In this molecule, the nitrogen atom forms three sigma bonds: two with carbon atoms and one with a hydrogen atom.

Hybridization is determined by the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around the atom. The nitrogen in diethyl amine has:

• 3 sigma bonds (2 with carbon and 1 with hydrogen).
• 1 lone pair of electrons.

The total is 4, indicating sp³ hybridization. This is because:

• 1 s orbital and 3 p orbitals combine to form 4 equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals.

Therefore, the hybridization of nitrogen in diethyl amine is sp³.