Drawing resonance structure for this O-CH2 ion

In summary, resonance structures are alternate ways of representing the bonding in a molecule or ion when a single Lewis structure is not sufficient. To draw resonance structures for an O-CH2 ion, start with the Lewis structure and move a lone pair of electrons to form double bonds until all possible arrangements are drawn. These structures are important in understanding a molecule or ion's properties, such as stability and reactivity. However, they do not actually exist as separate entities. The most stable resonance structure is determined by factors such as formal charge, electronegativity, and octet completion.
  • #1
Sunwoo Bae
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Homework Statement
For the ion shown below, draw the most important resonance forms and predict which resonance form is likely to be the major contributor.
Relevant Equations
none
ion shown:
1612009314744.png


My answer:
1612009331658.png


the following is the answer of the question:
1612009235113.png


I identified the major contributor correctly, but the resonance structures, but the second resonance I drew is missing in the answer sheet.
Can anyone tell me why the second resonance structure is not part of the answer?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
Same reason as before. Question asks for the most important resonance forms, not every possible one.
 
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  • #3
There would be quite many hexagons to draw, if you drew every single one.

edited for grammar
 

1. What is a resonance structure?

A resonance structure is a way of representing a molecule or ion by showing all possible arrangements of its atoms and electrons. It is used to explain the delocalization of electrons in a molecule or ion.

2. How do you draw resonance structures for an O-CH2 ion?

To draw resonance structures for an O-CH2 ion, start by drawing the Lewis structure for the ion. Then, move one electron from the oxygen atom to the carbon atom to form a double bond. Next, move one of the lone pairs on the oxygen atom to form another double bond. Continue this process until all possible arrangements of electrons have been shown.

3. Why is it important to draw resonance structures?

Drawing resonance structures helps to explain the stability and reactivity of a molecule or ion. It also allows us to understand the distribution of electrons in a molecule or ion, which can affect its chemical and physical properties.

4. How do you determine the most stable resonance structure?

The most stable resonance structure is the one with the lowest energy. This can be determined by looking at the formal charges on each atom and choosing the structure with the most stable distribution of charges.

5. Can resonance structures exist in real molecules?

No, resonance structures do not exist as individual molecules. They are simply different ways of representing the same molecule or ion, which is actually a hybrid of all the resonance structures. This is known as resonance hybridization.

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