Chapter 15, Problem 6PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using resonance theory, the chemical behavior hydroxyl group of phenol as an activating and ortho-para director is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Resonance theory is an idea to explain the bonding in a molecule having delocalized electrons that results in the formation of many resonance structures that collectively constitute a resonance hybrid.

These resonance structures do not represent the structure of a real compound as they keep on resonating.