Compare Resonance Contributors
Which resonance form is more significant?
Common Questions
What are resonance structures?
Resonance structures are different Lewis structures for the same molecule that differ only in electron arrangement, not atom positions. The real molecule is a hybrid (average) of all contributing structures. Electrons are delocalized across the molecule.
What are the rules for drawing resonance structures?
Only move electrons (lone pairs and pi bonds), never atoms. Never break single (sigma) bonds. Maintain the same overall charge. Don't exceed the octet for second-row elements (C, N, O, F). Use curved arrows to show electron movement.
How do you determine the major resonance contributor?
The most stable contributor has: the most atoms with complete octets, the fewest formal charges, negative charges on more electronegative atoms, and no adjacent like charges. A structure with no formal charges at all is usually the most significant.
Do resonance structures actually exist as separate molecules?
No. Individual resonance structures are not real. The actual molecule is a single hybrid with electron density spread between all contributing structures. The double-headed arrow between structures means "is a weighted average of," not "switches between."