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Ch.16 Amines
Chapter 16, Problem 16.40a

Complete the following equations (hint: remember that a nitrogen with three groups bound to it has a lone pair and one with four does not; see Worked Examples 16.4 and 16.5 for help):
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1
Identify the type of reaction or transformation occurring in the equation. This could involve recognizing functional groups or reaction patterns.
Determine the role of nitrogen in the reaction. If nitrogen has three groups attached, it will have a lone pair, which can participate in reactions as a nucleophile or base.
Consider the possible products based on the reactants and the role of nitrogen. If nitrogen gains a fourth group, it will form a quaternary ammonium ion, losing its lone pair.
Balance the equation by ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Check the charge balance to ensure that the total charge is the same on both sides of the equation, especially if the reaction involves ions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

VSEPR theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to this theory, electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, which helps determine the molecular shape.
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Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate the bonding requirements of a molecule. For example, nitrogen can undergo sp3 hybridization when it forms four bonds, resulting in a tetrahedral geometry, while sp2 hybridization leads to trigonal planar geometry with three bonds and one lone pair.
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Lone Pairs

Lone pairs are pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding and are localized on a single atom. In the context of nitrogen, a nitrogen atom with three groups bound to it will have one lone pair, affecting its geometry and reactivity, while a nitrogen with four groups will have no lone pairs, leading to a different molecular shape.
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