Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Organic

Advertisement

Expert: Kristin - 7/22/2007


Question
Why is the number of resonance structures of an organic compound a measure of it's stability?

Answer
Hi Pavan,

Resonance structures are imaginary, so it is more of a guage of its stability rather than an actual measure.  You can kind of think about resonance structures like legs on a stool - the more legs, the more stable.  But don't start trying to read too much into the resonance structures - as I said, they are imaginary.  Basically, molecules exist in the confirmation of lowest energy.  A molecule that has multiple resonace structures does not actually 'choose' one, or interconvert between them, it always has its lowest energy conformation, and the true distribution of electrons is somewhere between the diagramed resonances.

I hope this helps - it is a bit of a crazy topic!  I think a lot of times we try to come up with ways to diagram reality to make it more accessible to our human brains.  But, in science, many things are not capable of being drawn on paper.  Sometimes we get so used to the trick we use to try and understand reality, we forget that the tricks are not reality.

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kristin

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding general, organic and analytical chemistry, as well as in chemical oceanography and aquatic chemistry.

Experience

I am a PhD candidate in chemical oceanography. My research focuses on organic compounds that bioaccumulate in marine mammals. This work requires extensive use and knowledge in the areas of organic extrations and chromatographic protocols, various types of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, stable and radioisotope data collection and analysis and an understanding of marine food webs. Previous research on phospholipids and chrial solvating agents required extensive use and understanding of liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, respectively. I also have an excellent understanding of what goes into making a radiocarbon (14C) date since I spent two years preparing samples for this type of analysis. I enjoy making science understandable, accessible and exciting for children of all ages (from my youngest cousins to my 90 year-old grandparents)!

Organizations
Sigma Xi American Chemistry Society American Society of Limnology and Oceanography

Education/Credentials
BS Chemistry (2002) PhD Chemical Oceangraphy (2010)

Awards and Honors
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2004-2007)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.