Structure of Benzene and other Aromatic Compounds

Question 1

What is the structure of benzene?

Answer 1

Benzene has six sp2 hybridised carbons atoms that link together to form a planar ring, C-C-C bond candles equal to 120 degrees, the six C-C bonds are 139pm long which is in between the normal values for a C-C and a C=C bond

Question 2

How are orbitals arranged in benzene?

Answer 2

Each of the sp2 carbons in benzene has an unhybridised p orbitals at right angles to the planar of the ring containing a single electron. The p orbitals are parallel and close enough to overlap side on with p orbitals on adjacent carbon atoms because the p orbitals combine side on the electrons in the p ortials are called pi electrons. The overlapping p orbitals produce two continuous rings of pi electrons above and below the plane of the benzene ring

Question 3

How are electrons arranged in benzene?

Answer 3

electrons are not bound to any particular carbon atoms and are said to be delocalised over the ring