Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Resonance Structures
Resonance structures are different ways of drawing a molecule that represent the same arrangement of atoms but differ in the distribution of electrons. These structures help illustrate the delocalization of electrons within a molecule, which can stabilize it. The actual structure of the molecule is a resonance hybrid, a weighted average of all valid resonance forms, where more stable contributors have a greater influence.
Recommended video:
Drawing Resonance Structures
Major and Minor Contributors
In resonance theory, major contributors are resonance structures that are more stable and thus have a greater impact on the resonance hybrid. Factors influencing stability include the octet rule, charge distribution, and the presence of electronegative atoms. Minor contributors, while still valid, are less stable and contribute less to the overall resonance hybrid, often due to unfavorable charge placements or steric strain.
Recommended video:
Ortho, Para major products
Equal Contribution of Resonance Contributors
Some resonance contributors can contribute equally to the resonance hybrid if they are all equally stable and satisfy the same structural criteria. This typically occurs when the resonance forms have similar energy levels and do not violate the octet rule. Identifying such contributors is crucial for understanding the overall stability and reactivity of the molecule in question.
Recommended video:
Drawing Contributing Structures