Chapter 4, Problem 4.71SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Formal charges for Carbon and Oxygen atoms given resonance structures has to be assigned and the more important contributor to resonance hybrid has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Formal charge:

The formula used to find the formal charge is,

$\text{Formal charge = }\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Number of valence}\\ \text{ electron in free atom}\end{array}\right)\text{ - }\frac{1}{2}\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Number of }\\ \text{bonding }\\ \text{electrons}\end{array}\right)-\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Number of }\\ \text{non-bonding electrons}\end{array}\right)$