Chapter 21, Problem 99E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the delocalized structure of benzene (I) is more appropriate than the cyclohexatriene (II) is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The structures of some molecules cannot be explained by a Lewis structure. In such cases, the actual structure of the molecule is represented as the average of all Lewis structures. A resonance structure is defined as the structure with more than one Lewis structures with the same skeletal formula. The resonance structures are formed when the delocalized electron, bond or charge is present in the molecule. The delocalized electron, charge or bond in the molecule is not associated with any single atom or bond.