In chemistry, delocalized electrons are electrons in a molecule that do not belong to a single atom or a covalent bond. Delocalized electrons are part of a pi electron system that extends over several adjacent atoms. Delocalized electrons can be found in conjugated systems of double bonds and in aromatic systems. Chemistry (in Greek: χημεία) is the science of matter and its interactions with energy and itself (see physics, biology). ... Properties The electron is a subatomic particle. ... A molecule is the smallest particle of a pure chemical substance that still retains its chemical composition and properties. ... Properties For alternative meanings see atom (disambiguation). ... Covalently bonded hydrogen and carbon in a molecule of methane. ... Geometry of the water molecule Molecules have fixed equilibrium geometries--bond lengths and angles--that are dictated by the laws of quantum mechanics. ... A chemically conjugated system, is a system of atoms covalently bonded with alternating single and double bonds (e. ... Covalent bonding is a form of chemical bonding characterized by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms, in order to produce a mutual attraction, which holds the resultant molecule together. ... In chemistry, an aromatic molecule is one in which electrons are free to cycle around circular arrangements of atoms, which are alternately singly and doubly bonded to one another. ...

In the simple aromatic ring benzene the delocalization of six pi electrons electrons over the whole ring is often indicated by the circle: Simple aromatic rings are aromatic organic compounds (also known as arenes or aromatics) that consist only of conjugated planar ring systems with delocalized pi electron clouds instead of discrete alternating single and double bonds. ... Benzene, C6H6, PhH, or benzol is a colorless and flammable liquid with a pleasant, sweet smell. ...

Alternatively, all possible mesomeric structures can be drawn inside square brackets separated by double arrows. This style should be used for polycyclic aromatic rings: Chemical structure of benzene Selfmade by cacycle Old version: File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Another example of a delocalized electron is the carboxylic acid. When put in an aqueous solution, the alcohol group releases a hydrogen cation and the electrons delocalize between the two oxygens. Chemical structure of benzene Selfmade by cacycle File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

Delocalized electrons are important to take into account for several reasons. One, an expected chemical reaction may not occur because the electrons delocalize to a more stable configuration, resulting in a reaction that happens at a different location.

An example is trying to attach a 1-chloro-2-methyl-propane to a benzene ring, but carbocation chemistry results in a tert-butyl group.

Delocalized electrons also exist in the structure of metals. Metallic structure consists of aligned positive ions (cations) in a "sea" of delocalized electrons. This means that the electrons are free to move throughout the structure, and gives rise to properties such as conductivity. For alternative meanings see metal (disambiguation). ... ... ... Electrical conductivity is a measure of how well a material accommodates the transport of electric charge. ...