Q16E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

The following molecular model is that of a carbocation. Draw two resonance structures for the carbocation, indicating the positions of the double bonds.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Resonating structure is shown below:

Resonance Structure

Step-by-Step Solution Step 1: Resonating structure

These are the structure of the Lewis acid in which the delocalization of the pi-electron occurs in the ring and makes the length of the C-C bond equal.

Delocalisation occurs due to the partial charges and fractional bond in it.

Step 2: Resonating structure of given carbocation

Three resonating structures are possible of the carbocation with molecular formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{13}{\mathrm{H}}_9$  , and the positive charge is stabilized the same way as benzylic and allylic carbocation are stabilized—by showing overlaps with the neighboring π electron of the ring system as shown below.

Resonance Structure