Why is the bond angle in an amide ion smaller than the bond angle in a molecule of ammonia?

The nitrogen atom in both NH3 and NH2- has 8 outer shell electrons. In NH3, 3 pairs of these electrons are used in covalent bonding to hydrogen atoms and the remaining 2 electrons exist as a lone pair. In NH2, there are 2 lone pairs of electrons due to there only being 2 hydrogen atoms involved in covalent bonding. Lone pairs create a stronger repulsion than bonding pairs. This results in a smaller bond angle in the amide ion due to the increased repulsion due to the extra lone pair. The repulsive force pushes the covalent bonds closer together.

AG
Answered by Anna G. Chemistry tutor

13781 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

24.3cm^3 of 0.02moldm-3 KMnO4 reacted with 20cm^3 of iron (II) solution. Calculate the molarity of the iron (II) solution.


How does a catalyst and increasing temperature affect the rate of reaction?


Explain the trend in boiling points between HF, HCl and HBr.


What are the reagents used to oxidise an alcohol to a carboxylic acid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning