Describe the shape of and bonding in a molecule of benzine. Explain why benzene doesn't readily undergo reactions.

Flat 6-membered ring with 6 carbons. Each carbon in bonded two 1 hydrogen and 2 other carbons. Because a carbon must always have 4 bonds, there is a delocalised fourth electron on each carbon, which moves around the molecule. This causes all six spare p-orbitals overlap and all six of the delocalised electrons move freely within the overlapping orbitals. The angle between all the bonds is 120 degrees, giving benzene the shape of a hexagon. This has been confirmed by microscopy. The delocalized electron accounts for benzene's stability, addition reactions would break the delocalization and are not energetically favourable, thus it does not readily undergo reactions.

MZ
Answered by Michal Z. Chemistry tutor

3071 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Use the following data to explain why NaCl is soluble in water: ∆H = +31 kJmol-1, S(Na+(aq)) = 320.9 JK-1mol-1, S(Cl-(aq)) = 56.5 JK-1mol-1, S(NaCl(s)) = 72.1 JK-1mol-1 Are there any temperatures at which you would not expect NaCl to dissolve?


Explain what is meant by the term 'rate of reaction'?


Calculate Gibbs free energy when S = 131 J mol-1 and H = 155 kJ mol-1 at 25 C, stating whether or not the reaction is feasable.


Explain the effect of increasing concentraion of O2 on the equilibrium position of this gas phase reaction and what you might see given that Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide appear colourless and brown respectively. NO + 0.5O2 ----> NO2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning