Resonance Hybrids

Resonance Hybrids

Resonance Structures are a representation of a Resonance Hybrid.
A Resonance Hybrid is the combination of all resonance structures.
Though the Formal Charge closest to zero is the most accepted structure,
in reality the correct Lewis structure is actually a combination of all the resonance structures.
Ex.) CO32-

<sup>Drawing Resonance Hybrids
1.Draw the Lewis Structure & Resonance for the molecule (using solid lines for bonds).
2.Where there can be a double or triple bond, draw a dotted line (-----) for a bond.
3.Draw only the lone pairs found in all resonance structures, do not include the lone pairs that are not on all of the resonance structures.
Ex.) CO32-

Step 1: Draw the Lewis Structure & Resonance.</sup>



Step 2: Combine the resonance structures by adding (dotted) bonds where other resonance bonds can be formed.





Step 3: Add only the lone pairs found on ALL resonance structures





The bottom is the finished resonance hybrid for CO₃^2-.