Delocalized Bonds

[QUEP 2F]

What does it mean when an electron is delocalized? And does it have anything to do with electron density?

[Samuel Mushinski 2G]

A delocalized electron is just an electron that is not tied to a specific bond, lone pair, or atom. Therefore it can move around and form differently in a molecule. These electrons are the main contributors to resonance structures. Because they can act in many forms, it allows for different structures to be created.

[rachelcameron2E]

Delocalized electrons will make the structure more stable. This comes into play when looking at acids and bases and how the carboxyl group -COOH, when losing an H+, will become stable due to resonance.

[Jessica Sun 2I]

delocalized electrons are spread evenly among a molecular structure, rather than staying in a condensed region of electron density. Delocalized electrons stabilize molecules.