State and explain the evidence for the delocalisation of electrons in benzene (6 marks)

Benzene does not decolourise bromine water, showing it does not undergo electrophilic addition reactions as the delocalised pi structure is very stable. All of the carbon-carbon bond lengths are the same; the length is intermediate between those expected for carbon-carbon single bonds and carbon-carbon double bonds, showing the electrons are delocalised around the ring.Thermochemically benzene is more stable than the theoretical molecule of cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene due to the added aromatic stability produced by the delocalisation of electrons.

RA
Answered by Romi A. Chemistry tutor

4284 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by the term amphoteric? and give an example of a reaction using NaOH that could be used to distinguish between a solution of amphoteric AlCl3 and non-amphoteric MgCl2.


How do you draw an alkene stereoisomer?


For the formation of phenylethanone from benzene: Name and explain the mechanism, write an overall equation and write an equation for the formation of the electrophile.


Explain the structure and characteristics of benzene


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