2. ⢠Some molecules are have structures that cannot be shown with a single
representation
⢠In these cases we draw structures that contribute to the final structure but
which differ in the position of the ď° bond(s) or
lone pair(s)
⢠Such a structure is delocalized and is represented by resonance forms
⢠The resonance forms are connected by a double-headed arrow
Resonance
3. ⢠A structure with resonance forms does not alternate between the forms
⢠Instead, it is a hybrid of the resonance forms, so the structure is called a
resonance hybrid
⢠For example, benzene (C6H6) has two resonance forms with alternating
double and single bonds
⢠In the resonance hybrid, the actual structure, all its C-C bonds
are equivalent, midway between double and single
Resonance Hybrids
4. ⢠You must have extra electrons, and somewhere to move them.
⢠All structures must be valid Lewis Structures.
⢠The true structure of a molecule is a hybrid or average of the individual resonance structures.
It does not quickly shift back and forth between them.
⢠Resonance structures increase the overall stability of the molecule compared with molecules
lacking resonance structures. More structures = more stability.
⢠Equivalent resonance structures all contribute equally to the resonance hybrid.
⢠Nonequivalent resonance structures do not contribute equally; their relative stability
determines how much they contribute. More stable structures contribute more; in other
words, the molecule "looks more" like the more stable structure(s).
⢠To evaluate the relative stability of resonance structures:
⢠Structures in which all atoms (except hydrogen) have a complete octet are
especially stable and make larger contributions to the hybrid.
⢠Structures with fewer and lower formal charges contribute more.
⢠If structures have the same number of atoms with formal charges, look at
placement of charges. Structures more stable when negative charge on atom
with higher EN, and when positive charge on less EN atom.
Rules for Resonance Structures
5. ⢠We can imagine that electrons move in pairs to convert from
one resonance form to another
⢠A curved arrow shows that a pair of electrons moves from the
atom or bond at the tail of the arrow to the atom or bond at
the head of the arrow
Curved Arrows and Resonance Forms
6. ⢠Any three-atom grouping with a p orbital on each
atom has two resonance forms
Drawing Resonance Structures
7. ⢠Sometimes resonance forms involve different atom types as well as locations
⢠The resulting resonance hybrid has properties associated with both types of
contributors
⢠The types may contribute unequally
⢠The âenolateâ derived from acetone is a good illustration, with delocalization
between carbon and oxygen
Different Atoms in Resonance Structures
8. ⢠The anion derived from 2,4-pentanedione
⢠Lone pair of electrons and a formal negative charge on the
central carbon atom, next to a C=O bond on the left and on the
right
⢠Three resonance structures result
2,4-Pentanedione