Which of the following is a correct resonance structure for compound A?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given compound A, the double bond present in the central carbon atom is the most likely position for resonance stabilization. In resonance, electrons move around the individual atoms and not the nuclei. Therefore, the pi electrons from the double bond move to one of the adjacent oxygen atoms, creating a negative charge on that oxygen. The charge is then shared between the carbon and the adjacent oxygen atoms. This resonance stabilization can be shown by structures III and IV. However, structure III is preferred over structure IV due to the rule of electronegativity. Oxygen is a more electronegative element than carbon, and it is more likely to stabilize negative charge than carbon. Therefore, structure III is the correct resonance structure for compound A.

Which of the Following Is a Correct Resonance Structure for Compound