See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Resonating Structures of Phenoxide Ion ($C_6H_5O^-$) **Key Requirement:** Valid resonating structures must: 1. Have the same molecular formula 2. Differ only in electron distribution 3. Maintain proper bonding and formal charges ## Analysis: **Option (A) - VALID resonating structure** - Negative charge on oxygen (bent structure) - Lone pair on O can delocalize into benzene ring - Forms valid resonance hybrid with aromatic system - ✓ Contributes to resonance **Option (B) - VALID resonating structure** - Negative charge on ring carbon (ortho/para position) - Delocalization of negative charge from oxygen through $\pi$ system - Maintains aromaticity and proper electron count - ✓ Contributes to resonance **Option (C) - NOT a resonating structure** - Double bond between oxygen and ring carbon - Negative charge remains on oxygen - This would require breaking the $C=O$ bond from structure (A), changing connectivity - Different structural arrangement, not just electron redistribution - ✗ **Invalid** **Option (D) - NOT a resonating structure** - Positive charge on ring carbon - This violates charge conservation - The ion is $C_6H_5O^-$ (total charge = -1), cannot become cationic - ✗ **Invalid** **Answer: C and D are not resonating structures** because (C) changes molecular connectivity and (D) violates charge conservation.