Resonance hybrid

Definition

A resonance hybrid is a way of representing the structure of a molecule where two or more resonance structures are combined to show the overall electron distribution. It reflects a more accurate depiction of the molecule than any single resonance structure.

Related terms

Resonance Structure:

A resonance structure is one of two or more Lewis structures for a single molecule that cannot be represented accurately by only one Lewis structure.

Delocalized Electrons: Delocalized electrons do not belong to a single atom or bond within a molecule but are spread over several atoms, contributing to bonding with more than two atoms.

Electron Density:

Electron density is the measure of the probability of an electron being present at any given location around an atom or molecule, affecting chemical reactivity and physical properties