Question

Does more resonance mean more stable?

Answer 1

Hint:In order to know whether more resonance structure present in a molecule will make it more stable, we must first have an idea about what a resonance structure is. Resonance structures are said to be a set of Lewis structures which will describe the delocalization of the electrons which are present in a polyatomic ion or molecule.

Complete answer:
Let us first understand in detail about the resonance structure. Resonance structures are said to be a set of Lewis structures which will describe the delocalization of the electrons which are present in a polyatomic ion or molecule.
In certain cases, a single Lewis structure will fail to explain about the type of bonding present in the molecule or polyatomic ion due to the presence of the partial charge and fractional bonds. In such cases resonance structure will be helpful to explain about the chemical bonding in the molecule or polyatomic ion. Resonance structure can also be called the canonical structure. When a molecule has a greater number of resonance structures then it is found to be more stable compared to the molecules with lesser number of resonance structures. This is because the resonance will allow the electrons present in a molecule or polyatomic ion to get delocalized. Due to this delocalization the electrons occupy a larger volume and hence the overall energy of the molecule or polyatomic ion will get reduced.

Note:
We have to remember that the resonance structures are used when we cannot explain the chemical bonding by single structure. It is also used when we can place the double bonds and lone pairs in different ways.