Question

Phenanthrene has five resonance structures, one of which is shown. Draw the other four.

Short answer

Five possible resonance structures of phenanthrene

Step-by-step solution

Resonance

The delocalization of electrons in the molecule is called resonance. It can also be said as being the property of a molecule to be written in two forms having the same molecular structure but a different arrangement of atoms. A molecule exhibiting delocalization, cannot be depicted using a single Lewis-dot structure. The various Lewis-dot structures describing the delocalization of electrons in a molecule are contributing structures or canonical forms

Resonance structure of Phenanthrene

The resonance structure of phenanthrene can be drawn by alternating the pi bond. Thus, the five resonance structures possible for phenanthrene are as follows:

Five possible resonance structures of phenanthrene