Explain the bonding in benzene, and hence its greater stability

Benzene consists of six carbon atoms in a hexagonal ring, all of which are sp^2 hybridised. This allows the perpendicularly oriented 'p' orbital of each carbon to overlap laterally all around the ring. The delocalised pi system produced leads to much greater stability than would be obtained by alternate double and single bonds.

EP

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

What happens to the equilibrium constant of an endothermic reaction, that is in equilibrium, when the temperature increases? What would the effect of increasing pressure have on the reaction and on the value of Kc?


Explain the general trend in first ionisation energy across period 2 in the periodic table.


Why do melting points decrease down the group 1 and increade down the group 7? (core syllabus: Periodicity)


What is ionisation energy?