Hybridization with Lone Pairs

[Claire Guo 1B]

If a molecule has a lone pair, like NH3, and is considered trigonal pyramidal, is the hybridization still sp3? like that for tetrahedral?

[Ashley Kim]

Yes, the hybridization is still sp3 and the regional geometry is tetrahedral. However, the molecular shape is only based on the existence of atoms and not lone pairs.

[Tam To 1B]

Yes, in this case N would be sp3 hybridized. When a lone pair of electrons are localized, they are considered in hybrid orbitals.
However, in the case of resonance structures, delocalized electrons in the resonance structures are not counted in hybrid orbitals.

[marg44]

Are we going to be dealing with resonance structure and delocalized atoms on this Friday’s test?

[Linh Vo 2J]

Are we going to be dealing with resonance structure and delocalized atoms on this Friday’s test?

I do not believe we are going to have those questions because for my discussion, my TA said that the test will focus on VSEPR structures, bond angles, lone pair effect, and physical forces (Van Der Waals, H bonding, and London Dispersion).