Why is benzene more stable than expected?

All the carbons in benzene are sp2 hybridised. The carbons are each bonded to one hydrogen and all bonds to other carbon atoms in the ring are the same length. This bond is in between the bond length of a C=C and C-C bond. This is because there is a system of p orbitals that can overlap to form a delocalised system of electrons above and below the plane of carbon atoms. This system leads to the benzene ring being more stable than expected.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

1982 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What shape does XeF4 take?


Q1. Two beakers, A and B, each contain 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 nitric acid. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of distilled water are added to beaker A. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.


Describe the products of the following Friedl-Crafts substitution and explain the role of the AlCl3 in the reaction: C6H6 + CH3C(O)Cl + AlCl3 = ?


Which liquid would you expect to have a higher boiling point, Bromine (Br2) or Iodine I2)? Explain your answer.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning