Resonance effect

Definition

The resonance effect in organic chemistry is the delocalization of electrons across adjacent atoms within a molecule, influencing its chemical reactivity and stability. This effect is particularly significant in determining the reactivity of compounds undergoing electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

Related terms

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution:

It's a reaction where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring.

Delocalization:

This refers to electrons that are spread out across multiple atoms, rather than being localized between two atoms.

Aromaticity:

A property of cyclic molecules with conjugated pi electron systems that leads to unusual stability due to resonance