Question

Are the following pairs of structures resonance contributors or different compounds?

Short answer

a) Different compounds

b) Different compounds

c) Resonance contributors

d) Resonance contributors

e) Different compounds

Step-by-step solution

What is resonance contributors

Resonance contributors involve the 'imaginary movement' of pi-bonded electrons or of lone-pair electrons that are adjacent to pi bonds. You can never shift the location of electrons in sigma bonds – if you show a sigma bond forming or breaking, you are showing a chemical reaction taking place.

Final answer

a) Both compounds cannot go in resonance.

b) Both compounds cannot go in resonance because positive charge and double bond are not conjugate.

c) Both compounds are resonance contributors.

d) Both compounds are resonance contributors.

e) Both compounds are different compounds.