N,N-diethyl-m-tolumide (DEET)is the active ingredient in many mosquito repellents.What is the hybridization state of the nitrogen atom in the structure of DEET shown below?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nitrogen atom in DEET has three sigma bonds (two C-N bonds and one N-C bond) and one lone pair of electrons. Therefore, its hybridization state can be determined by its steric number, which is equal to the number of sigma bonds plus the number of lone pairs.

Steric number = 3 + 1 = 4

According to the steric number, the nitrogen atom in DEET is sp3 hybridized. Therefore, choices A, D, and E can be eliminated.

Among the remaining choices (B and C), choice C is the best choice because it correctly indicates the hybridization state of the nitrogen atom (sp3) and the number of lone pairs (1). On the other hand, choice B is not a possible hybridization state, and it also does not specify the number of lone pairs.

N,N-Diethyl-M-Tolumide (DEET)is the Active Ingredient in Many Mosquito Repellents