Stability from Resonance Structures

[Ashley Wang 4G]

Hi,

In lecture, Dr. Lavelle touched on how resonance spreads multiple-bond characteristics over a molecule, lowing its energy and making the molecule less reactive. Does this imply that molecules with resonance are more stable in general? Or did he mean that the actual hybrid characteristic of resonance structures (where electrons are delocalized amongst all multiple-bond atoms) is more stable than the Lewis structure depiction of separate single-and double bonds?

Thank you!

[Aadil Rehan 1D]

Resonant molecules are in general more stable.

[Ryan Yee 1J]

The depiction of resonant structures makes the molecule more stable. If a molecule can have resonant structures, it is more stable for the molecule to have the hybrid characteristic of all the resonant structures.