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.

YM
Answered by Yasmin M. Chemistry tutor

7259 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a coordinate bond?


How does increasing the temperature affect the yield of products of a reaction at equilibrium, where the forward reaction is exothermic?


Why do branch chained isomers have lower boiling point than straight chain equivalents?


What is the definition of Avogadro's constant and when should I use it?


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