Do Amine Orbitals Change Shape with Electron Donating Groups?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether the shape of the nitrogen's lone pair orbital changes when electron donating groups, such as methyl, are added to an amine. It is established that the orbital in question is not a p orbital but an sp3 orbital. While the electron availability increases with the addition of methyl groups, leading to enhanced basicity, the size of the orbital does not significantly change. Instead, factors like steric effects and solvation dominate the basicity of alkyl amines.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sp3 hybridization in amines
  • Knowledge of basicity and electron donating groups
  • Familiarity with steric effects in organic chemistry
  • Concept of solvation in chemical reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of steric effects on amine basicity
  • Study the role of solvation in determining the reactivity of amines
  • Explore the differences between sp3 and p orbital characteristics
  • Investigate the effects of various electron donating groups on amine properties
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone studying the properties and reactivity of amines in organic synthesis.

ChiralWaltz
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Homework Statement


Does the size of the p orbital with the lone pair change when adding electron donating groups, such as methyl?

Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the electron availability increases on the nitrogen's lone pair, making it a better base, but I'm wondering if the orbital shape changes. I think the p orbital would increase in size with an electron donating group. Should I be thinking of orbitals in a static sense (unchanging shape) with a particular atom or do the orbitals' shape change depending on the electron withdrawing/donating group?

Let's say I want to attach more methyl groups to the amine, does the nitrogen orbital with the lone pair get even bigger?
 
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There is likely a shape change due to the electron donating groups but you should understand that the orbital in question is not a p orbital. It is an SP3 orbital. Also, it is generally not very helpful to focus on the size of the orbital in alkyl amines as other effects like steric and solvation usually dominate the basicity of alkyl amines.
 
Thank you for clearing this up for me.
 

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