Which of the following resonance structures is the least important contributor to the resonance hybrid of the formate anion,HCOO^-?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In resonance structures, the goal is to distribute the electrons as evenly as possible throughout the molecule. In structure II, there is a positive charge on the oxygen atom and a negative charge on the carbon atom, which is less favorable compared to the other structures where the charges are localized on the oxygen atoms. Therefore, structure II is the least important contributor to the resonance hybrid.

Which of the Following Resonance Structures Is the Least Important