This chemical is usually drawn in the resonance structure with the cation on nitrogen.

In resonance structures, major and minor contributing structures may exist.

Their behavior as carbon-based nucleophiles is explained with reference to the following resonance structures.

One of these alternating double bonds, called a resonance structure.

There is also another resonance structure with the double bond on the other oxygen.

Alternatively to the use of resonance structures in diagrams, a hybrid diagram can be used.

The compound is usually described as a combination of two resonance structures:

In this case, there are three possible resonance structures.

Isocyanides are best shown as a mixture of both resonance structures.

As an 1,3-dipole, several resonance structures can be drawn (1a-d).