Numford
Hybridisation

Hybridisation of N₂

Each N atom is sp hybridised (hybridization by the VSEPR count): 1 sigma bond and 1 lone pair give a linear shape.

NN
  • N

N₂Nitrogen

Linear

Each N: 1 sigma bond, 1 lone pair

i

Two atoms always lie on a line. Hybridisation of an atom in a two atom molecule is a count of its sigma bonds and lone pairs; many books do not ask it.

  • Hybridisationsp
  • Polaritynon-polar
  • Bond order3

Why this shape

  1. Each N has 5 valence electrons. It uses three in one triple bond to N, so two are left as one lone pair.
  2. Steric number = one sigma bond + one lone pair = 2, so each N is sp hybridised. A double or triple bond counts once: only its sigma bond uses a hybrid orbital.
  3. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line.
  4. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.
  5. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Lewis structure

10 valence electrons
NN

Formal charges: none

Molecular orbitals

14 electrons
3bond order
diamagnetic

(Nb − Na) / 2 = (10 − 4) / 2

1s1s2s2s2p2pσ1sσ*1sσ2sσ*2sπ2pσ2pzπ*2pσ*2pzN atomMoleculeN atomEnergy

σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² (π2px² = π2py²) σ2pz²

Working

Why this hybridisation and shape

  1. Each N has 5 valence electrons. It uses three in one triple bond to N, so two are left as one lone pair.
  2. Steric number = one sigma bond + one lone pair = 2, so each N is sp hybridised. A double or triple bond counts once: only its sigma bond uses a hybrid orbital.
  3. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line.
  4. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.
  5. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Class 11, Chapter 4 Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.

Questions

Hybridisation of N2: quick answers

What is the hybridisation of N2?

Each N has 5 valence electrons. It uses three in one triple bond to N, so two are left as one lone pair. Steric number = one sigma bond + one lone pair = 2, so each N is sp hybridised. A double or triple bond counts once: only its sigma bond uses a hybrid orbital.

What is the shape of N2 and its bond angle?

Linear. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.

Is N2 polar or non-polar?

Non-polar. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Try any molecule