Resonance in Molecules: Stabilization and Reactivity

This lecture explores the concept of resonance in molecules, focusing on the stabilization of electrons through delocalization. It covers topics such as the correlation between electronegativity and electron stabilization, the effect of atom size on acidity, and the importance of resonance structures in understanding molecular properties and reactivity. The instructor emphasizes the significance of different resonance structures, the role of electron pairs in resonance, and the impact of double bonds on molecular stability and reactivity. Additionally, the lecture discusses the relative importance of resonance structures in determining physical properties and reactivity, highlighting the rules governing octet and bond maximization. Various examples, including benzene and cyclobutadiene, are used to illustrate these concepts.