Resonance Structures

The chief resonance contributors (canonical forms) for the five compounds and ions are shown below. Other structures can be written, but they will be destabilized by reduced bonding and/or charge separation.
Considering the canonical forms written here, which three of these compounds or ions will exhibit the greatest resonance stabilization? Enter the numbers corresponding to the compound(s) you select in the answer box.


1.  Formic Acid

HCO2H
 

Answer Box:





2.  Formate Anion

HCO2(–)


3.  Nitromethane



CH3NO2

4.  Methyl Nitrite
 
CH3ON=O
 

5.  Ozone

O3


This script written by William Reusch, Dept. of Chemistry, Michigan State University. Please send comments and corrections to whreusch@pilot.msu.edu.