Methylamine overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₃—NH₂. Nitrogen forms three single bonds and retains one lone pair, which controls its basicity and local shape.
How to draw CH₃NH₂
- Count 14 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity CH₃—NH₂. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. Nitrogen forms three single bonds and retains one lone pair, which controls its basicity and local shape.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral at carbon; trigonal pyramidal at nitrogen.
Why this example matters
Nitrogen forms three single bonds and retains one lone pair, which controls its basicity and local shape.
Scope and model limits
The condensed display groups C–H and N–H bonds but the nitrogen lone pair remains an essential Lewis feature.
Common mistakes
- Drawing nitrogen without a lone pair
- Adding a C=N double bond
- Giving nitrogen four neutral bonds
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.