Triethylamine [(CH₃CH₂) ₃N] is a molecule in which the nitrogen atom is ________ hybridized and the CNC bond angle is ________.

A) sp²; >109.5°
B) sp²; <109.5°
C) sp³; >109.5°
D) sp³; <109.5°
E) sp; 109.5°

The nitrogen atom in triethylamine has three groups bonded to it (three ethyl groups) and no lone pairs. This indicates sp3 hybridization, as each of the three hybrid orbitals can form a sigma bond with one of the three ethyl groups. The ideal bond angle for sp3 hybridization is >109.5°. However, the presence of the bulky ethyl groups may cause some distortion from this ideal angle. Therefore, the most reasonable choice is D, which indicates sp3 hybridization but with a slightly compressed bond angle (<109.5°). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they suggest sp or sp2 hybridization, which is not possible for nitrogen in this molecule. Choice E is incorrect because the ideal bond angle for sp3 hybridization is >109.5°.