Delocalization and Resonance Structures Rules

In resonance structures, the electrons are able to move to help stabilize the molecule. This movement of the electrons is called delocalization.

1. Resonance structures should have the same number of electrons, do not add or subtract any electrons. (You can check the number of electrons by counting them)
2. All resonance structures must follow the rules of writing Lewis Structures.
3. The hybridization of the structure must stay the same.
4. The skeleton of the structure can not be changed (only the electrons move).
5. Resonance structures must also have the same amount of lone pairs.