Nitrogen orbitals in amines are sp³ hybridized, leading to a pyramidal geometry. The fourth orbital of nitrogen contains an unshared pair of electrons.
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In amines, nitrogen undergoes sp3 hybridization. Nitrogen’s three p orbitals and one s orbital combine to form four sp3 hybrid orbitals, arranged tetrahedrally around the nitrogen atom. These hybrid orbitals form sigma bonds with surrounding atoms or groups. In primary amines, one of the hybrid orbitals bonds with a hydrogen atom, while the remaining three form sigma bonds with other atoms or groups. This results in a trigonal pyramidal geometry around nitrogen. In secondary and tertiary amines, the remaining hybrid orbitals form sigma bonds with additional alkyl or aryl groups, leading to a similar tetrahedral arrangement with a slightly distorted shape.