Delocalized charge? [ENDORSED]

[Ivy Nguyen 3I]

What does it mean for a charge to be delocalized? Why is it more stable this way?

[Nika Kononov 3E]

A charge is delocalized if it is shared across multiple bonds. This makes compounds more stable because instead of confining this energy into a small space it is spread across the molecule.

[Jacqueline Duong 1D]

We usually use the terminology "delocalized" in respects to resonance structures. As Nika mentioned, it means that the charge is shared across multiple bonds, as we know that in nature, the bonds in resonance structures are all the same length.

[Neha Jonnalagadda 2D]

Delocalized charges mean that the charge is shares across multiple bonds, for example if there are resonance structures in which two of the same elemental bonds have different bond lengths, then there is delocalized charge.