Why is benzene more stable than expected?

Benzene is stable due to its delocalised ring of electrons - which forms as a result of the carbon-carbon bonds being neither single nor double bonds, instead an intermediate length with electrons in the p-orbitals sticking out above and below the carbon ring. This means that, when compared to cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene, benzene has a much less exothermic enthalpy of hydrogenation - -208kJmol-1 instead of the predicted -360kJmol-1. This means it's a more stable compound, as more energy is needed to break benzene's bonds than cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you go about answering titration equations?


Find the concentration of calcium carbonate given that 25cm^3 of CaCO3 is neutralised by an average of 14cm^3 of 0.1 molar HCl .


What affects the boiling point of an alkane and why?


Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences