Chapter 6, Problem 6.67P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possible resonance structures are to be drawn for the given ion, and the greatest resonance contributor is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Resonance structures are alternate Lewis structures that can be drawn for a molecule or an ion. The overall charge on all the resonance forms must be the same. The contribution of all the resonance structures, to the resonance hybrid, is not equal. The lowest energy (more stable) resonance structure is the greatest resonance contributor to the hybrid. The stability of the resonance structure is governed by the following factors: greater number of atoms with octets, greater number of covalent bonds, and least number of formal charges. The order of stability of carbocation is ${\text{1}}^{\text{o}}{\text{< 2}}^{\text{o}}{\text{< 3}}^{\text{o}}$.