See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Bond Length Analysis in Naphthalene **Step 1: Identify bond types from canonical structures** The three canonical structures show resonance forms of naphthalene. The key bonds of interest are: - **C1–C2 bond**: The junction bond between the two rings - **C2–C3 bond**: A bond within one of the aromatic rings **Step 2: Analyze C1–C2 bond character** From the canonical structures, the C1–C2 bond shows: - Double bond character in structures 1 and 3 - Single bond character in structure 2 This gives C1–C2 significant **double bond character** averaged across resonance forms. **Step 3: Analyze C2–C3 bond character** The C2–C3 bond shows: - Single bond character in structures 1 and 3 - Double bond character only in structure 2 This gives C2–C3 **predominantly single bond character**. **Step 4: Apply bond length principles** Since double bonds are shorter than single bonds: $$\text{C1–C2 (more double bond character)} < \text{C2–C3 (more single bond character)}$$ **Step 5: Conclusion** The C1–C2 bond has greater double bond character and is therefore **shorter** than the C2–C3 bond. **Answer: (B)** ✓