Major Contributor

Definition

In the context of the 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms, a major contributor refers to the most significant or dominant resonance structure that best represents the overall molecule or ion. This resonance structure has the greatest weight or contribution to the overall resonance hybrid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The major contributor is the resonance structure that has the lowest formal charge and the most stable arrangement of atoms and electrons.
2. Identifying the major contributor is crucial in understanding the overall structure and reactivity of a molecule or ion.
3. The 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms help determine the relative importance and contribution of each resonance structure.
4. The major contributor often has the greatest weight or percentage contribution to the overall resonance hybrid.
5. Considering the major contributor is essential for predicting the behavior and properties of a molecule or ion in chemical reactions.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the major contributor in the context of the 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms.
  • The major contributor is the most important resonance structure that best represents the overall molecule or ion. It has the greatest weight or contribution to the resonance hybrid, as determined by the 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms. Identifying the major contributor is crucial because it helps understand the molecule's structure, stability, and reactivity. The major contributor typically has the lowest formal charge and the most stable arrangement of atoms and electrons, making it the dominant representation of the molecule or ion.
• Describe how the 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms can be used to determine the major contributor.
  • The 2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms provide a systematic approach to evaluating and comparing the relative importance of different resonance structures. These rules consider factors such as the distribution of formal charges, the stability of the arrangement of atoms and electrons, and the overall contribution of each resonance structure to the resonance hybrid. By applying these rules, you can identify the resonance structure that best represents the molecule or ion, which is known as the major contributor. This major contributor has the greatest weight or percentage contribution to the overall resonance hybrid.
• Analyze the relationship between the major contributor and the overall reactivity and properties of a molecule or ion.
  • The major contributor plays a crucial role in determining the reactivity and properties of a molecule or ion. Since the major contributor is the most significant resonance structure, it largely defines the overall structure, stability, and behavior of the species. The characteristics of the major contributor, such as the distribution of formal charges, the arrangement of atoms and electrons, and the presence of functional groups, directly influence the molecule's reactivity, polarity, and other physical and chemical properties. Understanding the major contributor is essential for predicting and explaining the reactivity and behavior of a molecule or ion in various chemical reactions and processes.

Related terms

Resonance Forms:

The different possible arrangements of electrons in a molecule or ion that satisfy the rules of valence and formal charge.

Resonance Hybrid:

The average or combined structure that best represents the actual molecule or ion, taking into account all the valid resonance forms.

Formal Charge:

The charge that would be present on an atom in a molecule or ion if the bonding electrons were shared equally between the atoms.