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Chapter 4: Resonance |  |
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Chapter 4: Resonance | |
Why is Resonance Important ?
Resonance is important because when it is present, it will typically have a significant impact on the structure and the reactivity of the molecule. This is primarily because resonance changes the energy levels of the orbitals that are present within the molecule which has stability implications. With this in mind, when you are looking to explain an observation, it is worth considering if resonance present and if so, how will it impact this system.
To help with this, remember that resonance is a property associated with pi systems. Therefore, the presence of a double or triple bond can be used as a flag to check for resonance.
Delocalisation of charges (+ve or -ve) typically helps to stabilise the charge (spreads out the impact of the charge to more atoms).Examples.... impact on shape, reactivity...
Benzene stability
Amine vs amide, acidity or basicity, favourable intermediates etc....
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© Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry |  |