See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Resonance Energy Comparison **Resonance energy** depends on the stability gained through electron delocalization. Higher resonance energy indicates greater stabilization from resonance structures. ## Analysis of Option (B): **Left structure:** Phenol ($C_6H_5OH$) - Aromatic ring with $OH$ group (electron-donating via resonance) - Oxygen's lone pairs can delocalize into the $\pi$ system - **5 major resonance structures** possible - Significant electron donation stabilizes the ring **Right structure:** Cyclohexanone ($C_6H_{11}O$) - Saturated cyclohexane ring with ketone - $C=O$ is isolated (not conjugated with aromatic system) - **Limited resonance** — only $C=O$ can show basic carbonyl resonance - No aromatic stabilization ## Why (B) has higher resonance energy: Phenol exhibits **strong aromatic resonance stabilization** due to: 1. Continuous $\pi$-electron delocalization across the benzene ring 2. Oxygen's lone pair participation in resonance 3. Aromaticity provides exceptional stability Cyclohexanone lacks aromatic character and extended conjugation, so it has minimal resonance stabilization. **Answer: (B)** — Phenol's aromatic system with electron-donating $OH$ group provides substantially greater resonance energy than the isolated ketone in cyclohexanone.