Total bond energy

[Jesse Kuehn 1B]

Does a higher total bond energy imply that the bond is more stable? For example in the 6th edition 8.77, why do the different resonances have different energies and what does that mean for stability?

[Simmi Diwanji 2B]

No, a higher bond energy means that there is a higher potential E meaning lower stability as the bond has more potential to change. Low bond energy equates to lower potential chemical energy therefore higher stability in the bond. In regard to molecules with resonance structures, they should have a lower bond energy and higher stability because they can orient in multiple different ways.

[Fayez Kanj]

Hello!

To remember:

higher energy = less stable bone
lower energy = more stable bond

whenever bonds form, the stabilize the molecule by lowering their energy.

Hope this helps :)