See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Naphthalene Resonance Stability **Step 1: Analyze the resonating structures** Naphthalene has three major resonating structures (A, B, C) that contribute to its hybrid structure. Each differs in the distribution of double bonds within the two fused benzene rings. **Step 2: Apply Hückel's aromatic criterion** Structure C maintains two complete benzene rings (each with 6π electrons), where: - Left ring: aromatic sextet (6π electrons) - Right ring: aromatic sextet (6π electrons) This gives maximum aromatic stabilization. **Step 3: Compare aromatic character in other structures** - **Structure A**: One ring fully aromatic, one ring has interrupted aromaticity (4π + 2π distribution) - **Structure B**: One ring has only 4π electrons (antiaromatic character), reducing stability **Step 4: Energy consideration** Structure C maximizes the number of aromatic rings (2 complete benzene-like rings), contributing ~65% to the resonance hybrid. Structures A and B have reduced aromatic character due to loss of localized double bonds in one ring. **Answer: (C) C** Structure C is most stable because it preserves maximum aromaticity by maintaining two independent aromatic sextets, making it the dominant resonance contributor to naphthalene's actual structure.