delocalization

in theoretical organic chemistry
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.DT07019
Redistribution of the @[email protected] @[email protected] throughout a molecular entity as compared with some localized models (individual atoms in their @[email protected] states, separated bonds or fragments). Different topological modes of the electron @[email protected] include:
  1. ribbon @[email protected] of either π- or σ-electrons (i.e., electrons occupying respectively π- and σ-orbitals)
  2. surface @[email protected] of σ-electrons occurring through an overlap of radially oriented σ-orbitals of a cyclic molecule, as is the case of cyclopropane; and
  3. volume @[email protected] of σ-electrons through an overlap of σ-orbitals directed inside a molecular polyhedron, as is the case in tetrahedrane.
Source:
PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. (Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry) on page 1933 [Terms] [Paper]