In constructing a Lewis diagram for the methoxy radical, CH O·
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
In constructing a Lewis diagram for the methoxy radical, CH3O·, where should the single unpaired electron be placed to obtain the most stable structure, and why?
(a) On the carbon atom, because the less-electronegative atom is assumed to stabilize the radical better.
(b) Delocalized evenly over the C–O bond, because resonance makes any localized radical less stable.
(c) On the oxygen atom, because this placement gives formal charges of zero to all atoms.
(d) On one of the hydrogen atoms, since adding the extra electron completes hydrogen’s duet without changing other octets.