Chapter 16.4, Problem 13P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The resonance structures for the intermediates from the reaction of an electrophile at the ortho, meta and para positions of nitrobenzene are to be drawn and among them the stable intermediates are to be indicated.

Concept introduction:

Resonance structures differ only in the positions of lone pair or π bonding electrons. The relative positions of atoms in different forms do not differ. Curved arrows are used to represent the shift of the electrons.

The stability of a resonance hybrid depends on the number of stable resonance forms that contribute to the resonance hybrid. The hybrid with large number of stable forms will be more stable.

To draw:

The resonance structures for the intermediates from the reaction of an electrophile at the ortho, meta and para positions of nitrobenzene and further to indicate the stable intermediates among them.