[mikasaur]

I have a question that I'm working on:

Both NH₂^- and NH₂⁺ are angular species, but the bond angle in NH₂^- is less than that in NH₂⁺.
Take the x-axis to be perpendicular to the plane of the molecule. Does the N2p_x orbital participate in the hybridization for either species? Briefly explain your answer.


I think I understand it but I just want to check. The NH₂^- exhibits sp³ hybridization so all three p-orbitals must participate in hybridization. But for NH₂⁺ only two of the three p-orbitals participate in the sp² hybridization. I'm guessing since the molecule lies in the xy plane then it is the p_x orbital that is left out. Is this true? Is there a reason for that besides "learn more about quantum mechanics to really understand it"?

[mjc123]

The molecule lies in the yz plane, therefore the p_x orbital does not participate in the sp² hybridisation.

[mikasaur]

The molecule lies in the yz plane, therefore the p_x orbital does not participate in the sp² hybridisation.

Ah, yes, sorry that was a typo. You're right it's in the yz-plane.

Thanks for confirming!