Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Amines

Question:

The nitrogen atom in amines is trivalent and possess an unshared pair of electrons. The geometry of trimethyl amine is

Options:

Tetrahedral

Pyramidal

Square planar

Triangular

Correct Answer:

Pyramidal

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Pyramidal

In trimethylamine (N(CH₃)₃):

  • Nitrogen is sp³ hybridized.
  • It forms three σ-bonds with carbon atoms and has one lone pair.
  • The electron-pair geometry is tetrahedral, but due to the lone pair, the molecular geometry becomes trigonal pyramidal.

Hence, the correct option is Pyramidal.

Option 1: Tetrahedral Tetrahedral geometry occurs when all four positions are occupied by atoms (e.g., methane). Here, one position is occupied by a lone pair, so the shape is not tetrahedral.

Option 2: Pyramidal Correct. With three bonding pairs and one lone pair, the molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal. The lone pair pushes the bonded atoms downward, forming a pyramid-like structure.

Option 3: Square planar Square planar geometry requires dsp² hybridization and typically occurs in transition metal complexes. Not applicable to simple amines.

Option 4: Triangular Triangular (trigonal planar) occurs when there are three bonding pairs and no lone pair (e.g., BF₃). Here, a lone pair is present, so geometry is not planar.