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

15145 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Q1. Two beakers, A and B, each contain 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 nitric acid. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of distilled water are added to beaker A. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.


24.5g of CH3CH2CH2Br was reacted with ammonia to form CH3CH2CH2NH2 at a 75.0% yield, calculate the mass of the product formed.


State and explain how the attraction between nuclei and outermost electrons varies across group 3 (2 marks)


Identify the dehydration product or products of a) ethanol, b) button-2-ol


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning