Delocalized Electrons

[Iris Shim 1E]

How is delocalization affected by resonance?

[Silvino Jimenez 1A]

I believe resonance indicates delocalization.

If a structure like

a benzene ring (C6H6)

shows resonance in the double bonds,

meaning the double bonds can be drawn in an alternating pattern without effecting overall charge


then the structure also shows delocalized bonding !

[mendozayael_2H]

I believe they have similar or the same meaning. Delocalized meaning the electrons do not have one place they must be for the atom to be most stable. Resonance means multiple bonds (and thereby the electrons/orbitals)of an atom have the same function/connection if found in a different, but equal location (relative to the atom.

[Diane Bui 2J]

I agree with what people have said above here. Resonance spreads multiple-bond character over a molecule, which results in a lower energy. Resonance indicates a blending of the structures, and it does so by delocalization of electrons, in which a shared electron pair is distributed over all atoms. Resonance delocalizes the electrons over the atoms and lowers the energy below that of any single contributing structure, and hence, helps to stabilize the molecule.