Asked by Valerie Avila on May 11, 2024

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How many resonance structures can be drawn for methane?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) None of the above

Methane

A colorless, odorless flammable gas that is the simplest alkane, used as a fuel and in chemical synthesis, with the chemical formula CH4.

Resonance Structures

Different Lewis structures for a molecule that cannot be represented by a single structure but are a hybrid of the possibilities, contributing to the molecule's overall structure.

  • Explain the function and properties of resonance configurations in molecular structures.
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ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 12, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral structure with single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms and does not have any delocalized electrons, so it cannot have resonance structures. Resonance structures are possible only in molecules with delocalized electrons, typically found in molecules with double bonds, lone pairs adjacent to double bonds, or in aromatic systems.