Which of the following has delocalized electrons?
j.
k.
l.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Analyze the structures provided: Structure j is a cyclopentadienyl cation, structure k is benzene, and structure l is cyclohexadiene.
2. Delocalized electrons are electrons that are shared across multiple atoms, typically in conjugated systems with alternating single and double bonds or in aromatic systems.
3. For structure j (cyclopentadienyl cation), the positive charge and the conjugated double bond system allow for delocalization of π-electrons across the ring, making it aromatic.
4. For structure k (benzene), the alternating double bonds form a fully conjugated π-electron system, which is delocalized over the entire ring, making it aromatic.
5. For structure l (cyclohexadiene), the double bonds are not fully conjugated (there is a single bond separating them), so the π-electrons are not delocalized across the entire ring.

Key Concepts

Delocalized Electrons

Delocalized electrons are electrons that are not associated with a single atom or a single bond. Instead, they are spread over several atoms, allowing for resonance structures in molecules. This phenomenon is commonly observed in conjugated systems, such as benzene, where the electrons in the pi bonds can move freely across the ring, contributing to the stability and unique properties of the compound.

Resonance Structures

Resonance structures are different ways of drawing the same molecule that illustrate the delocalization of electrons. These structures help chemists understand the actual electron distribution in a molecule, which is often a hybrid of the resonance forms. For example, benzene can be represented by multiple resonance structures, indicating that the electrons are shared among all carbon atoms, leading to equal bond lengths.

Aromaticity

Aromaticity is a property of cyclic compounds that have a planar structure, complete delocalization of pi electrons, and follow Hückel's rule (4n + 2 pi electrons). Aromatic compounds, like benzene, exhibit enhanced stability due to this delocalization, which lowers their energy compared to non-aromatic compounds. This concept is crucial for understanding the behavior and reactivity of many organic molecules.