Organic chemists need to think about the distribution of electrons in molecules, because electron-rich regions might prove to be centers of attack for reagents. One guide to where electrons are likely to accumulate is the electron affinity of the element. The electron affinity of carbon is greater than that of nitrogen; indeed, the latter is negative. Suggest a reason for this observation.

PLAN When a periodic trend is different from what is expected, you should examine the electron configurations of all the species to look for clues to the observed behavior.