Learning Targets

• I can draw a Lewis structure, including

resonance structures when necessary, for a
given molecule
 Resonance Structures

• So far, we’ve learned how to draw a Lewis

structure to represent the covalent bonding
that occurs in a molecule.
• Sometimes there is more than one possible
Lewis structure for a molecule.
• All of the possible Lewis structures for a
molecule are called “resonance” structures.
 Resonance Structures

• Resonance structures are drawn using the same

rules for Lewis structures.
• Resonance is possible when multiple bonds are
necessary to create an octet on the central
atom.
• If there is a choice when choosing a pair of
electrons to move into a multiple bond, then
there are resonance structures.
• Resonance structures are possible ONLY if there
is a choice when creating multiple bonds.
• A double headed arrow ( ) is used in
between the structures to indicate that they
are in resonance with one another.
 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3
 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3

.. .. ..
O. . O O
..

..
..
 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3

.. .. ..
..O. . O O

..
..

Central atom octet not satisfied!

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3

.. .. ..
..O. . O O

..
..
?

One pair needs to be shared.

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3

.. .. ..
..O. . O O

..
..
?

If you have a choice, resonance structures exist!

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Ozone, O3

.. .. .. .. .. ..
O. . O O .. O. . O O

..
.. ..

Ozone has two resonance structures.

The completed structures have all octets satisfied.
 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Carbon Dioxide
 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Carbon Dioxide

.. ..
O. . C
.. O

..
..

Central atom octet not satisfied!

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Carbon Dioxide

.. ..
..O. . C O

..
..
?

Two pairs need to be shared with carbon.

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Carbon Dioxide

.. ..
..O. . C O

..
..
?

You have a choice. Therefore, resonance structures exist.

 Practice Problems
Draw all possible resonance structures for the following molecules.

• Carbon Dioxide

.. .. .. ..
O C O O. . C O O. . C O
..

..

..

..
.. ..

Carbon dioxide has three resonance structures.

The completed structures have all octets satisfied.