Which of the following types of compounds typically readily form resonance structures?

• A. Aromatic compounds such as benzene
• B. Saturated alcohols such as methanol
• C. Ionic salts such as NaCl
• D. Alkanes such as ethane

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that resonance structures are different Lewis structures for the same molecule that differ only in the placement of electrons, not atoms.
2. Recognize that resonance typically occurs in compounds with conjugated pi bonds or lone pairs adjacent to pi bonds, allowing electron delocalization.
3. Analyze each option: Aromatic compounds like benzene have conjugated pi bonds arranged in a ring, which allows resonance.
4. Saturated alcohols (e.g., methanol), ionic salts (e.g., NaCl), and alkanes (e.g., ethane) lack conjugated pi systems or delocalizable electrons, so they do not readily form resonance structures.
5. Conclude that aromatic compounds such as benzene are the types of compounds that typically readily form resonance structures due to their conjugated pi electron systems.