What is the structure of benzene?

Although benzene is often drawn with alternating single and double bonds (Kekule structure), this is not representative of what is actually going on. Refer back to the structure of a C=C double bond, which has two p-orbitals which overap to form a pi orbital. If you were to imagine three double bonds and their p orbitals on the six carbon ring or 'backbone' (comprised of 6 C-C single or sigma bonds) of benzene, you would have six p orbitals, one on each carbon, that all overlap with each other. This is represented as a circle within a hexagon. The electrons are said to be delocalised, meaning they are not confined to individual double bonds, meaning that benzene is planar. In 3D, imagine the planar hexagon with a donut (torus) above and below the plane to represent the six p orbitals overlapping with each other.

Answered by Jack R. Chemistry tutor

1786 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A sample of nitrogen gas is heated to 100°C, at a pressure of 10kPa and volume of 0.2m^3. How many moles of gas are present?


Briefly describe the concept of electronegativity and explain why CCl4 is a non-polar molecule


Why does the nucleophilic addition of a cyanide ion to an aldehyde form a racemic mixture?


Using chemical reagents in test tubes, distinguish between isomers: A CH3CO(CH2)2CHOH, B CH3CH(OH)(CH2)2CHO and C C(CH3)2OHCOCH3


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences