H _{3} PO _{3} can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H _{3} PO _{3} ? If not, give reasons for the same.
H _{3} PO _{3} can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing H _{3} PO _{3} ? If not, give reasons for the same.

Solution:

The positions of the atoms remain constant in canonical forms, but the positions of the electrons change. The positions of atoms change in the given canonical forms. As a result, they cannot be considered canonical forms.