What is the electronegativity difference in NH3?

N has an electronegativity of 3.04 and H has an electronegativity of 2.2, giving an EN difference of 0.84. This classifies the bond as polar covalent.

Is Ammonia (NH3) Ionic or Covalent?

Is Ammonia (NH3) ionic or covalent?

Ammonia has moderately polar N-H bonds. Nitrogen (EN 3.04) pulls shared electrons slightly more than hydrogen (EN 2.20), and the lone pair on N makes the molecule a good base.

Formula	NH3
Name	Ammonia
Bond Type	Polar Covalent
EN Values	N: 3.04, H: 2.2
EN Difference	0.84
Electron Behavior	Unequal sharing
Melting Point	-78 C (low)
Conductivity	Weak conductor in solution (acts as base)
Solubility	Very soluble in water
Key Concept	Moderately polar N-H bonds with lone pair

Overview

Ammonia has three N-H bonds arranged in a trigonal pyramidal shape. The nitrogen also carries a lone pair of electrons.

Electronegativity Analysis

Nitrogen has an EN of 3.04, hydrogen has 2.20. The difference of 0.84 puts N-H bonds squarely in the polar covalent range.

Electron Behavior

Electrons are shared unequally, pulled slightly toward nitrogen. This gives nitrogen a partial negative charge and each hydrogen a partial positive charge.

Physical Properties

Ammonia is very soluble in water due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. It acts as a weak base in water (NH3 + H2O -> NH4+ + OH-).

See electronegativity values, partial charges, and bond character on interactive 3D molecules.

Visualize Ammonia's Bonding in 3D

Is Ammonia (NH3) Ionic or Covalent?

Overview

Electronegativity Analysis

Electron Behavior

Physical Properties

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