Pre-lecture Reading Assignment: Resonance Structures

Quick Intro

Resonance structure will be very important throughout your organic chemistry journey. Pay extra close attention to this lesson!

Resonance structures are sets of structures that differ only by placement of electrons. We use resonance structures because our ability to draw the reality of electron distributions in molecules. We represent the reality as best we can using the resonance hybrid. While we will convert one  resonance structure to another by moving electrons, it is important to recognize that the electrons are not actually moving in the way that we draw.

Objectives

• Explain the need for resonance theory.
• Explain what a resonance structure is and what it is not.
• Draw valid resonance structures.
• Properly use curved arrow notation.
• Identify major and minor resonance structures.
• Draw the resonance hybrid for a structure.

 

Associated Reading

• Smith 3rd ed: Ch 1.3-1.5
• Smith 4th ed: Ch 1.3-1.6
• Smith 5th ed: Ch 1.3-1.6
• Smith 6th ed: Ch 1.3-1.6

 

Your Tasks

Before Class

• Complete assigned reading.
• Get the worksheet for the lecture.

After Class

• Work on more problems.
• Go to a discussion section and/or office hours.
• Review any areas that you struggled with on in-class activities.