Contributing structure

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002518",
  "term": "Contributing structure",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A hypothetical Lewis structure that represents one possible electron arrangement within a molecule or ion, used in the resonance theory to describe delocalized bonding. The actual electronic structure is considered a resonance hybrid, an average of all valid contributing structures. These structures are connected by double-headed arrows.",
  "synonyms": [
    "canonical form"
  ],
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Kekulé structure",
    "coefficient",
    "delocalization",
    "resonance",
    "valence"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1100 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/contributing-structure/"
}