How does the structure of benzene differ from the pre-assumed structure of 1,3,5-cyclohexatriene? *Kekule's structure*

(drawing of the two) There are three main ways that we can tell the correct structure of benzene consists of a delocalised ring. They are:

  • the delocalised structure is more stable that the proposed alkene structure shown by the enthalpy change of formation.
  • considering the double bonds, benzene (as a localised structure) would react wth bromine in an addition reaction like any other alkene. however, it undergoes a substitution reaction.
  • the bond lengths in benzene are all the same, however kekule's structure suggested that the C-C bonds should be longer than the C=C bonds leading to 3 long and 3 short bonds.
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Answered by Freya N. Chemistry tutor

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