Delocalized

Definition

In the context of organic chemistry, delocalization refers to the spreading out of electrons across two or more adjacent atoms, usually seen in systems with conjugated double bonds or in ions with resonance structures. Delocalization increases the stability of a molecule by allowing electrons to be shared over several atoms rather than being confined to a single bond.

Related terms

Resonance: The phenomenon where a molecule can be represented by two or more equivalent Lewis structures that differ only in the distribution of electrons.

Allyl Radical: A type of radical species characterized by a carbon atom adjacent to a double bond which has an unpaired electron that can be delocalized over the three atoms creating stability through resonance.

Conjugation: The overlap of p-orbitals across adjacent single and multiple bonds in a molecule leading to delocalization of π-electrons across all the overlapped orbitals