Chapter 16, Problem 16.34P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The possible resonating structure for acetic anhydride is to be drawn.

Concept introduction: Most of the organic structures cannot be represented using single Lewis structure. Therefore, there exists more than one Lewis structure for representing a molecule or ion. These structures are known as resonance structures. These are the hypothetical structures and do not specify the exact structure. These resonance structure combine together to give resonance hybrid that is lower in energy and is the most stable structure.

The delocalization of electrons results in the formation resonance structure.