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Which of the following explains the structure of benzene:

Correct answer: C. Both (a) and (b)

  • A. Atomic orbital treatment of benzene
  • B. Resonance method
  • C. Both (a) and (b)
  • D. None

Explanation

By virtue of resonance, the benzene molecule is stabilized; the pi electrons are delocalized around the ring structure. Each carbon-carbon bond has a bond order of 1.5 as a result of this delocalization, meaning that they are stronger than standard C-C sigma bonds.All the carbon atoms in the benzene ring are sp2 hybridized. One of the two sp2 hybridized orbitals of one atom overlaps with the sp2 orbital of adjacent carbon atom forming six C-C sigma bonds. Other left sp2 hybridized orbitals combine with s orbital of hydrogen to form six C-H sigma bonds.

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About Benzene and Aromatic Compounds

Benzene has a planar ring of delocalised π electrons, giving aromatic stability and equal carbon-carbon bond lengths. The topic covers resonance, electrophilic substitution reactions such as nitration, halogenation, sulphonation and Friedel-Crafts reactions, along with substituent effects and the distinction between substitution in benzene and addition in ordinary alkenes.

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