Delokalisierter

Delokalisierter is an adjective used mainly in chemistry and physics to describe a state in which electrons or charge are not confined to a single atom or bond but are spread over several adjacent atoms. The term stems from the verb delokalisieren (to delocalize) and denotes a non-localized distribution of electronic density or other properties.

In chemistry, delokalisierung refers to the spreading of π-electron density over a conjugated framework, such as in benzene or butadiene. A delokalisierter Zustand is described by molecular orbitals that extend over multiple atoms, which can lead to characteristic effects such as more uniform bond lengths and enhanced stability. This concept is closely related to resonance and aromaticity, and it helps explain the observed properties of many organic compounds, including their UV–Vis spectra and reactivity.

Terminology varies in the literature. Many authors use Delokalisation or Delokalisation von Elektronen as equivalent terms, while some reserve Delokalisierung for the process and Delokalisation for the resulting distribution. In practice, one may encounter phrases like delokalisierte Elektronenwolke, delokalisiertes π-System oder delokalisierte Ladung.

Outside chemistry, delokalisiert is far less common, but the term can be extended metaphorically to describe non-localized or distributed characteristics in other fields. The concept is often treated within the framework of quantum chemistry, molecular orbitals, and resonance theory.

See also: Delokalisation, Resonanz (Chemie), Aromatizität, Molekülorbitale, π-System.