Analyze the complete set of major resonance structures for the phenoxide ion (). Exactly how many of these contributing canonical forms place the formal negative charge directly onto the carbon atoms

Question

Analyze the complete set of major resonance structures for the phenoxide ion ($C_6H_5O^-$). Exactly how many of these contributing canonical forms place the formal negative charge directly onto the carbon atoms of the aromatic ring?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 3. In the phenoxide ion, the negative charge from the oxygen delocalizes into the ring. This generates canonical structures where the negative charge resides specifically on the two ortho positions and the one para position relative to the oxygen. Thus, there are 3 such structures.

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