How many resonance structures does CH3O- have?

1 Answer
Nov 9, 2015

Methoxide anion has no resonance structures, and the negative charge is perceived to be localized (on oxygen).

Explanation:

Methoxide anion derives from deprotonation of methanol, H_3C-OH, to give formally H_3C-O^- (the counterion is usually sodium). Methoxide anion would not exist in water;

i.e. H_3C-O^(-)Na^+ + H_2O rarr HO^(-)Na^+ + H_3C-O-H