H 3 PO 3 can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H 3 PO 3 ? If not, give reasons for the same

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

No, the structures 1 and 2 cannot be taken as canonical forms because the position of atoms has been changed.

While making resonating structures, following conditions must be followed:

⇒We cannot change the position of any atom. Atoms must be in their own position.

⇒We can only shift the bonds from one atom to another.

⇒We can only change the position of electrons from one atom to another.

H3PO3 can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H3PO3? If not, give reasons for the same

H₃PO₃ can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H₃PO₃? If not, give reasons for the same