Explain the 3 pieces of evidence that disprove Kekule's model of benzene.

Kekulé's model of benzene is that it has 3 double bonds, in a ring of 6 carbons.
One - Benzene isn't very reactive, so if Kekulé's model were to be correct, there would be 3 double bonds in benzene, and so it would react with bromine and decolourise it. It also doesn't do electrophilic addition.Two - The bond lengths in benzene are all the same length. If Kekulé's model was correct, there would be 2 different bond lengths, corresponding to the double bonds and the single bonds in the ring. The actual bond length is between the single and double bond length of carbon.Three - the hydrogenation enthalpy of benzene is expected to be three times that of cyclohexene, if it were Kekulé's model. However, it is smaller, and less energy is produced than expected, meaning that the actual model of benzene is a lot more stable than Kekulé's model.
The correct model for benzene is the delocalised model.

EW
Answered by Ellie W. Chemistry tutor

36573 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does HBr add across a double bond? Predict the regiochemistry when HBr is reacted with 2-methylpropene


Why is benzene more stable than the theoretical model cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene?


Explain why Scandium is not considered a true transition metal.


In order to find the [H+] ion content of H2SO4 (Sulphuric Acid), why must you divide by two after using the formula for pH calculation?


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