Questions: The following cation has a total of how many resonance structures?

Transcript text: The following cation has a total of how many resonance structures?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Analyze the structure

The given structure is a cyclopentenyl cation. The positive charge is located on a carbon atom adjacent to a double bond. This allows for resonance.

Step 2: Determine possible resonance structures

The positive charge can be delocalized through the pi system. The double bond's electrons can move towards the positively charged carbon, shifting the positive charge to a different carbon atom within the ring. This can happen in two different directions around the ring.

Step 3: Count the resonance structures

The initial structure counts as one resonance structure. The two shifts of the double bond around the ring create two more resonance structures. Therefore, there are a total of three resonance structures.