Why is Kekule's benzene structure an inaccurate representation of the molecule?

Firstly all of benzene's bonds are the same length and therefore there cannot be both double bonds and single bonds in the molecule. Secondly the bond angles are all the same as well which would not be the case if Kekule's structure was correct. Thirdly the electrons are delocalised around the carbon ring, there are 6 delocalised electrons, one from each carbon in the ring. The structure of the benzene ring is more accurately represented by a hexagon with a circle in the centre as we mainly do now.

PM
Answered by Patrick M. Chemistry tutor

23627 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The Nucleophilic substitution mechanism: i. give the mechanism for the reaction between bromoethane and sodium hydroxide solution; ii. explain why the reaction mechanism is called nucleophilic substitution mechanism.


What are the strongest intermolecular forces in CH4, NH3 and H2O? From this deduce which has the highest boiling point, giving reasoning.


Explain why benzene is colourless whereas azo dyes (such as methyl yellow) are coloured.


Sodium chloride and sodium metal can both conduct electricity under differing conditions. Give the conditions required for each to conduct electricity and explain how each conducts electricity.


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