Which orbitals contain the lone pairs on the nitrogen atoms labeled i and ii in the imidazole ring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lone pairs on nitrogen atoms i and ii are both in sp2 hybrid orbitals (as they are bonded to two other atoms and have one lone pair). Therefore, the best choice is D, which has sp² hybridization for nitrogen i and sp³ hybridization for nitrogen ii. Option A has sp^2; hybridization for nitrogen i, which is incorrect. Option B has sp3 hybridization for nitrogen ii, which is incorrect. Option C has sp³ hybridization for both nitrogen i and ii, which is incorrect as nitrogen i has a different hybridization.

Which Orbitals Contain the Lone Pairs on the Nitrogen Atoms