How many resonance structures does CH3O- have?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 9, 2015

Methoxide anion has no resonance structures, and the negative charge is perceived to be localized (on oxygen).

Explanation:

Methoxide anion derives from deprotonation of methanol, #H_3C-OH#, to give formally #H_3C-O^-# (the counterion is usually sodium). Methoxide anion would not exist in water;

i.e. #H_3C-O^(-)Na^+ + H_2O rarr HO^(-)Na^+ + H_3C-O-H#

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