All Molecules?

[Lelija Kazlauskas 3J]

Do all molecules have resonance structures?

[Althea Zhao 1B]

Nope! Some molecules have a symmetrical e- distribution, so no resonance.

[Sydney Myers 4I]

Resonance only occurs in molecules which could theoretically switch some of their bonds (single vs double) and it would still be the same molecule but in a different orientation. In other words, there several combinations of possibilities of bonding that are equally correct. Only then will resonance occur. It is highly dependent on the physical structure of the molecule.

[haileyramsey-1c]

Also when a structure has resonance it means that it is in between all forms drawn. This is why resonance structures bonds aren't the length of a single/double/triple bond because the delocalized electrons are moving between atoms giving each bond a different length than may be expected.

[jvera4b]

No, resonance structures only occur when bonds can be moved to multiple locations.