What is the evidence that disproves the Kekule model for benzene?

The enthalpy change of hydrogenation of benzene was shown to be less exothermic than 3 times that of hexene, therefore meaning that benzene does not contain three double bonds. X-ray imaging showed that benzene has 6 bonds of equal length, which disproves the theory that it could have 3 double bonds, as double bonds are shorter than single bonds. Benzene does not discolour bromine water like hexene does, therefore meaning that benzene is more stable and does not undergo the characteristic addition reactions, at room temperature and pressure, of other compounds containing double bonds. This meant that benzene did not contain double bonds.

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Answered by Ioana P. Chemistry tutor

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