7.4.1 Structure of Benzene

Question 1

What does aromatic mean?

Answer 1

Molecule containing a benzene ring (containing a conjugated π system, which is where electrons are delocalised within ring because of alternating double bonds)

Question 2

Uses of benzene?

Answer 2

• Pharmaceuticals (aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, morphine)
• Pesticides
• Polymers
• Dyes

Question 3

Few examples of Aromatic compounds

Answer 3

Question 4

Structure of Benzene (for understanding)

Answer 4

• Each carbon atom in ring forms 3 σ bonds using sp2 orbitals
• Remaining P orbitals overlap laterally with orbitals of neighboring carbon atoms to form a π system
• Lots of overlapping results in delocalised electrons and can freely spread over entire ring (π system, made of 2 ring shaped clouds of electron density, one above and one below)

Question 5

idk what this shit means

Answer 5

Question 6

What is the main reaction benzene rings undergo? How is it different from regular saturated compounds?

Answer 6

Electrophilic Substitution

Different because alkenes undergo electrophilic addition. Substitution is ‘swapping’, addition is ‘adding’ to the double bond.

Question 7

What is the general mechanism for the electrophilic substitution of benzene?

Answer 7