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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Resonance and Mesomeric Effect?

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The main difference between resonance and mesomeric effect lies in the cause of the polarity or stabilization in a molecule:

  • Resonance: Resonance occurs due to the interaction between lone electron pairs and bond electron pairs in a molecule. It is a theory in chemistry that describes the interaction between lone electron pairs and double bonds, determining the actual structure of the molecule. Resonance can be observed in molecules having lone electron pairs and double bonds, causing the polarity of the molecule.
  • Mesomeric Effect: The mesomeric effect is the polarity that develops in a molecule as a result of the presence of substituent groups or functional groups. It involves the delocalization of π-electrons and contributes significantly to changes in stability, particularly via double bonds in conjugation with the ionizable center.

In summary, resonance is a result of the interaction between lone electron pairs and bond electron pairs, while the mesomeric effect is due to the presence of substituent groups or functional groups in a molecule.

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  • What is the Difference Between Resonance and Mesomeric Effect?
  • Comparative Table: Resonance vs Mesomeric Effect

    • Comparative Table: Resonance vs Mesomeric Effect

    The main difference between resonance and mesomeric effect lies in the cause of the delocalization of electrons. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

    Resonance Mesomeric Effect
    Resonance occurs due to the presence of double bonds adjacent to lone electron pairs. The mesomeric effect occurs due to the presence of substituents or functional groups.
    The effect is a result of the delocalization of electrons in molecules with lone electron pairs and double bonds. The effect is the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature of a substituent due to resonance.
    Resonance is observed in molecules having lone electron pairs on any of the atoms in the molecule. The mesomeric effect is observed in molecules with substituents or functional groups.
    Resonance theory describes the interaction between lone electron pairs and double bonds in a molecule, determining its actual structure. The mesomeric effect is the effect of substituents or functional groups on chemical compounds.

    Both resonance and mesomeric effects are common in organic molecules and help determine their exact chemical structure.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.