Why can Cyclohexene react with Bromine but Benzene cannot?

Benzene has delocalised pi- electrons spread over all 6 Carbon atoms in the ring structure. Therefore, there is insufficient electron density above and below any two carbon atoms in the structure so benzene cannot induce a dipole within a bromine molecule. 

However, within Cyclohexene the delocalised pi- electrons are localised above and below the two specific Carbon atoms in the double bond, which means there is a region of high electron density within Cyclohexene. Cyclohexene is able to induce a dipole within a bromine molecule, allowing it to react.

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Answered by Yasmin M. Chemistry tutor

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