Molecular Geometry of Ammonia (NH₃) - VSEPR Theory
What is the molecular geometry of Ammonia (NH₃)?
Ammonia (NH₃) has 4 electron domains around the central N atom: 3 bonding and 1 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, giving a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 107 degrees.
| Formula | NH₃ |
| Name | Ammonia |
| Central Atom | N |
| Bonding Domains | 3 |
| Lone Pair Domains | 1 |
| Total Electron Domains | 4 |
| Electron Domain Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| Molecular Geometry | Trigonal Pyramidal |
| Bond Angle | 107° |
Electron Domain Count
Nitrogen has 3 bonding domains (one for each N–H bond) and 1 lone pair = 4 total electron domains.
Electron Domain Geometry
4 electron domains arrange tetrahedrally, just like methane. The lone pair occupies one tetrahedral position.
Molecular Geometry
Remove the lone pair from the picture — the 3 remaining bonds form a trigonal pyramid. The nitrogen sits above the plane of the three hydrogens.
Bond Angle
The bond angle is 107° instead of 109.5°. The lone pair takes up more space than a bonding pair, slightly compressing the H–N–H angles.
See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.
Visualize Ammonia's Geometry in 3DRelated Topics
Molecular Geometry of Water
VSEPR analysis of H₂O
Molecular Geometry of Methane
VSEPR analysis of CH₄
Molecular Geometry of Carbon Dioxide
VSEPR analysis of CO₂
Lewis Structure of NH₃
Draw the Lewis dot structure of Ammonia
Is Ammonia Polar or Nonpolar?
Polarity analysis of NH₃
Orbital Hybridization
See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids