Chapter XIII: Quantum Mechanics and Orbitals

Excerpt from "Molecular Models" by Mala Radhakrishnan

...

It’s bold, but a classic and stable choice.
But now here’s a look that will make quite a noise.
It’s meant to take people’s eyes for a ride
And modeled by hydrogen fluoride.

Notice the risky asymmetry
That says, “Look, I act on a whim, so free!”
Electrons are draped ’round the “F” with great fuss,
While the “H” is a nearly exposed H+!

In order to pull off this look that you see,
You’d need different “e”-negativities.
The atom withdrawing steals “e’s” like a crook;
Without this imbalance, you can’t get this look.

Next, turn your eyes to the realization
Of ’lectronic orbital delocalization.
We’d like to believe that we’re setting some precedents
By dubbing this sleek new summer look “resonance.”
...