What is the Difference Between Localized and Delocalized Electrons?

The difference between localized and delocalized electrons lies in their distribution and association with atoms within a molecule. Here are the main distinctions between the two:

• Localized Electrons: These electrons are found between atoms and are confined to a specific region between two atoms. They are associated with specific atoms in a compound and are represented graphically by straight lines. Localized electrons are typically bonding electrons in molecules.
• Delocalized Electrons: These electrons are found above and below the atoms and are spread across several atoms. They are not associated with any single atom or covalent bond and are shared between multiple atoms. Delocalized electrons are associated with all atoms in the molecule and are represented graphically by circles. They can be non-bonding (lone pairs) or bonding electrons, and when they are in π bonds, they can flow through the orbitals of adjacent atoms, forming a conjugated system.

To summarize:

• Localized electrons are confined to a specific region between two atoms and are associated with specific atoms in a compound.
• Delocalized electrons are spread across several atoms and are associated with all atoms in the molecule.

Comparative Table: Localized vs Delocalized Electrons

Localized and delocalized electrons are two different types of electrons found in chemical compounds. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:

Localized electrons are found in covalent compounds and are confined to a specific region between two atoms, while delocalized electrons are found above and below atoms and spread across several atoms in the molecule. Localized electrons are associated with specific atoms, whereas delocalized electrons are associated with all atoms in the molecule.