Back to simulations

Principles of Molecular Resonance: Electrons like to travel | Virtual Lab

Higher Education
Chemistry
Principles of Molecular Resonance: Electrons like to travel
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

About This Simulation

Learn the theory behind one of the key phenomena in organic chemistry known as molecular resonance. Observe how the electrons in a molecule can delocalize in the structure and relate molecular resonance to systems with conjugated double bonds.

Learning Objectives

  • Define what a conjugated system is and recognize atoms that are part of a conjugated system
  • Explain, with examples, why charge delocalization stabilizes molecules
  • Give examples of molecular motifs that can establish electron delocalization

About This Simulation

Level:
Higher Education
Length:
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English

Lab Techniques

  • Molecular Resonance
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
  • US College Year 1
  • US College Year 2
NGSS:
AP:
LB:
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

Electrons like to travel! In this simulation, you will learn about molecular resonance in organic compounds. Learn about why electron delocalization is possible through example molecular motifs and relate the phenomena to conjugated systems.

Identifying a conjugated system

What makes a conjugated system? Identify conjugation in organic molecules by acknowledging the characteristics of a conjugated double bond compared to an isolated double bond. Acknowledge the idea that conjugation and hence, molecular resonance are allowed by an extended p-orbital hybridization in planar structures. Not only will you be able to understand how to identify a conjugated structure, you will also be able to appreciate that not all atoms in an organic molecule participate in a conjugated system. You will be able to determine which atoms partake in the conjugated system.

 Resonance Structures

Take advantage of our cutting edge hologram technology to form resonance structures by moving around the electrons within the structure. Observe 3D models of the molecules and p-orbital hybridization to understand how electron delocalization and hence the formation of resonance structures is possible. Observe how the mechanisms are drawn for these structures and understand how they can show the reactivity properties of certain functional groups.

Bond rotation

Finish off the topic by observing the 3D molecule of hexatriene with the carbon atom p-orbitals visible on the structure. Observe how rotation around single bonds can give rise to various conformations of a structure and how it can disrupt a conjugated system.

Experience Labster for Yourself

Boost Learning with Fun

75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster

Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus

Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content

Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists

Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios

a group of people standing around a laptop computer

For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage

Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”

Lewis Mattin
PhD
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.

Melody McGill
Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."

user
Kyle Hammon
Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”

Dr. Melody Esfandiari
Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."

a man in a black sweater and white shirt
Dr. Stuart Goodall
Lecturer
Northumbria University

“The Labster simulations get students to do things, and they're not just sitting there consuming a webinar where their mind can drift. They become an active participant in that learning experience.”

UCL logo with bold black 'UCL' letters.
02_logo-of-case-western-reserve-university
Logo of the University of Texas at Arlington, featuring a bold orange 'A' with a blue outline and a white star in the middle, symbolizing Texas.
University of Alabama logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
Virginia's Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
University Imperial logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
UTSA logo
University of North Charlotte logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Washington logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
ETH Zurich logo featuring a sleek and modern design with the university name.
SUNY logo
University of Florida logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
University of Stevens logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Kansas logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
Florida State University logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
16_logo-of-university-of-tennessee
17_logo-of-university-of-tulane-university
University of California Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
Johns Hopkins logo
University of Skovde logo

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

How do students access Labster?

Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.

How is Labster purchased?

Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.

What types of courses does Labster support?

Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.