Exploring Resonance: Pi-acceptors

Resonance In Organic Chemistry: What Are “Pi Acceptors”

Last time we saw that   π donors are atoms capable of forming a new π bond with an adjoining C-C π bond.  The upshot of π donation is that these molecules will have an important resonance form where the carbon at the far end of the π bond (away from the π donor) has a negative charge.

Todays topic is π acceptors, which is, as you might imagine, is exactly the opposite phenomenon as π donation.

Table of Contents

1. In Pi Bonds That Are Polarized Toward A More Electronegative Atom There Is An Important Resonance Form Where The Less Electronegative Atom Has A Positive Formal Charge
2. These Groups Are Called “Pi Acceptors” Since They Can “Accept” A Pi Bond In Conjugation With It
3. The Presence Of A “Pi-Acceptor” Attached To A C-C Pi Bond Results In An Important Resonance Form Where A Carbon On The Pi Bond Bears A Positive Charge
4. Notes

1. Pi Bonds That Are Polarized Toward A More Electronegative Atom Are Have An Important Resonance Form Where The Less Electronegative Atom Bears A Positive Charge

Recall that in π bonds that are polarized toward a more electronegative atom, we have an important resonance form where the less electronegative atom (usually carbon) bears a positive charge. That would be the one on the left, below. (See article: Applying Electronegativity On Resonance Forms)

However, when we have an additional double bond attached to an electron withdrawing group, we can also draw an additional resonance form where there is a positive charge on the far carbon. That would be the one on the right.

These are both important resonance forms.

Note that they both have an equal number of charges (two) and they are polarized so as to put the negative charge on the most electronegative atom (oxygen).

They will each make an important contribution to the resonance hybrid of this molecule.

(The question of which resonance form is more important for the purposes of reactivity is an important question I’m deferring to a later date. The short answer is that it depends greatly on the reaction conditions chosen).

2. These Groups Are Called “Pi Acceptors” Since They Can “Accept” A Pi Bond In Conjugation With It

Now: see how the double bond has “moved” toward the electron-withdrawing group? For this reason, we call these types of substituents “pi acceptors“, because they can “accept” the pair of electrons from a pi bond.

This is a general phenomenon not just for functional groups containing C=O and C=N groups, but also for functional groups such as nitriles, nitro groups, sulfonyls… essentially any polarized group containing a π bond.

3. The Presence Of A “Pi-Acceptor” Attached To A C-C Pi Bond Results In An Important Resonance Form Where The Terminal Carbon On The Pi Bond Bears A Positive Charge

Here’s the quick summary of this phenomenon:

You can think of this as an extension of a phenomenon we observe for resonance forms that have an empty p orbital, such as carbocations and other groups that contain an empty p orbital (such as this boronic acid, pictured).

This is the last big post planned on introducing resonance concepts for the time being.

After a summary, and then some examples of what NOT to do,  I want to show how you can apply this skill (that of evaluating resonance forms in determining electron density on a molecule) toward figuring out the reactivity of a given molecule.  

Next Post: In Summary – Resonance 

Notes