Chapter 22, Problem 26P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the difference between the barrier for inversion at nitrogen for alkyl- and arylamines is to be given.

Concept introduction:

The nitrogen atom in amines is trivalent and carries an unshared pair of electrons.

In an amine group, the nitrogen atom is ${\text{sp}}^{\text{3}}$ hybridized, that is, it has four ${\text{sp}}^{\text{3}}$ hybrid orbitals.

In primary amines, two ${\text{sp}}^3$ hybridized orbitals of nitrogen atom overlap with the s orbitals of hydrogen atoms to form two $\text{N}–\text{H}$ sigma bonds.