What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom? A) sp B) sp² C) sp³ D) sp⁴ E) none

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nitrogen atom has two regions of electron density, one from the double bond to oxygen and the other from the lone pair of electrons on nitrogen. Therefore, it requires two hybrid orbitals to accommodate these electrons, which are sp hybrid orbitals. The remaining two unhybridized p orbitals on nitrogen are perpendicular to the plane of the sp hybrid orbitals and participate in pi-bonding with the oxygen atom, resulting in the sp² hybridization.

What Is the Hybridization of the Nitrogen Atom