What is the evidence that disproves the Kekule model for benzene?

The enthalpy change of hydrogenation of benzene was shown to be less exothermic than 3 times that of hexene, therefore meaning that benzene does not contain three double bonds. X-ray imaging showed that benzene has 6 bonds of equal length, which disproves the theory that it could have 3 double bonds, as double bonds are shorter than single bonds. Benzene does not discolour bromine water like hexene does, therefore meaning that benzene is more stable and does not undergo the characteristic addition reactions, at room temperature and pressure, of other compounds containing double bonds. This meant that benzene did not contain double bonds.

IP
Answered by Ioana P. Chemistry tutor

3551 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the mechanism for the nucleophilic substitution of a halogenoalkane?


Chlorine, 15 g, is contained in a vessel with a volume of 0.80 dm3 at 330 K. Calculate the pressure exerted when the chlorine is treated as a perfect (ideal) gas giving your answer in terms of kPa


What is a transition metal?


How do I calculate the percentage by mass of a metal within an impure substance?


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