The correct stability order of the following resonance structures of CH3-CH=CH-CHO is [figure]
- II > III > I
- II > I > III
- III > II > I
- I > II > III
Answer
(3) III > II > I
Solution
III: neutral, no charge separation and the maximum number of covalent bonds, so it is the most stable.
II: charge-separated, but the negative charge is on the more electronegative O and the positive charge on C.
I: charge-separated with the negative charge on C and the positive charge on the more electronegative O, so it is the least stable.
∴ Stability: III > II > I
Answer: (3)