How many distinct, major Kekule-style resonance structures (canonical forms) can be drawn to represent the delocalization of the positive charge in the arenium ion formed by the electrophilic attack o

Question

How many distinct, major Kekule-style resonance structures (canonical forms) can be drawn to represent the delocalization of the positive charge in the arenium ion formed by the electrophilic attack on an unsubstituted benzene ring?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 3. For unsubstituted benzene, attack by an electrophile leaves a conjugated system of 5 carbon atoms. The positive charge is localized primarily on the ortho and para positions relative to the carbon, generating exactly 3 stable resonance structures.

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