Resonance: When One Lewis Structure Isn't Enough

Sometimes, a single Lewis structure isn't enough to accurately represent the bonding and electron distribution in a molecule. This limitation leads us to the fundamental concept of resonance, a cornerstone of understanding molecular stability and reactivity in organic chemistry.

Consider benzene (C6H6):

Which of these two structures of benzene are correct?

 The two Kekulé resonance structures for benzene.

You will learn in these sections that neither of these individual structures perfectly describes benzene. Instead, both structures are equally valid, and the true electronic structure of benzene is actually an average or hybrid of these two forms.