Which of the following compounds are best described using resonance structures ?

Question

Which of the following compounds are best described using resonance structures ?


Consider all reasonable resonance structures for each compound or ion.

a) N2O4


b) CN -


c) C2H4O


d) IF5


e) C2H6O

Answer 1

To answer this question you will need to draw the Lewis-dot structures for each compound or ion. Remember to give each outer atoms 8 valence e- (except H which gets 2) and then put the remaining ones on the central atom. If there are not enough dots left to give the central atom eight e- go back and try putting a double bond from the central atom to an outer atom.

Answer 2

Of the following CN- is explained best with help of resonance structures(RS).There will be 2 RS one with -ve charge on C and other with +ve charge on N.