Following are three contributing structures for diazomethane, CH2N2. This molecule

Key concept

Resonance structure

In organic chemistry, a resonance structure refers to a Lewis structure (a structural representation of a molecule using dots to indicate electrons) that cannot be accurately represented by a single Lewis structure, but instead can be represented by a combination of multiple Lewis structures.

These structures are not actual structures of the molecule, but rather theoretical representations that help to explain the stability and reactivity of the molecule. Resonance structures are important in understanding the properties of molecules containing double or triple bonds, such as conjugated systems and aromatic compounds.

Contributing structure

The individual Lewis structures of a molecule are called resonance structures or contributing structures. So, the contributing structures of a molecule are obtained by moving the electron pairs of an atom towards the other atoms.

Step 1 of 3

Three contributing structures for diazomethane, $$\mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{~N}_2$$ , are given. This molecule is used to make methyl esters from carboxylic acids

We have to find solution for

(a) Using curved arrows, show how each contributing structure is converted to the one on its right.

(b) Which contributing structure makes the largest contribution to the hybrid.