Aniline is a resonance hybrid of

Options

A. 3 structures
B. 6 structures
C. 2 structures
D. 5 structures

Explanation

To determine how many resonance structures aniline has, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Draw the Structure of Aniline
Aniline is an aromatic amine with the formula C6H5NH2. The structure consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) attached to an amino group (NH2).

**Hint:** Remember that aniline has a benzene ring, which is a hexagonal structure with alternating double bonds.

### Step 2: Identify the Lone Pair on the Nitrogen
In the amino group (NH2), the nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons. This lone pair can participate in resonance with the benzene ring.

**Hint:** Identify the lone pair on the nitrogen that can be involved in resonance.

### Step 3: Draw the First Resonance Structure
The first resonance structure is the original structure of aniline. The lone pair on nitrogen can form a double bond with the adjacent carbon in the benzene ring, leading to a positive charge on the nitrogen.

**Hint:** When drawing resonance structures, ensure that the total number of electrons remains the same.

### Step 4: Draw the Second Resonance Structure
In this structure, the lone pair from nitrogen forms a double bond with the carbon atom, resulting in a positive charge on the nitrogen atom. The double bond between the carbon atoms in the benzene ring shifts, creating a new double bond.

**Hint:** Focus on how the electrons move; the lone pair on nitrogen creates a new double bond with the carbon.

### Step 5: Draw the Third Resonance Structure
The negative charge can shift again, creating another structure where the double bond moves to a different carbon atom in the benzene ring, and the nitrogen retains a positive charge.

**Hint:** Keep track of where the positive and negative charges are located as you draw each structure.

### Step 6: Continue Drawing Resonance Structures
Repeat the process of shifting the double bonds and the lone pair on nitrogen to create additional resonance structures. You will find that you can create a total of five distinct resonance structures.

**Hint:** Each time you draw a new structure, ensure that the overall charge and number of electrons are conserved.

### Conclusion
After drawing all possible resonance structures, we find that aniline is a resonance hybrid of **five structures**.

**Final Answer:** Aniline is a resonance hybrid of **5 structures**.