Edexcel A-Level Chemistry 9CH0
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Bonding and Structure
Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table
Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
Organic Chemistry I
Modern Analytical Techniques I
Energetics I
Kinetics I
Equilibrium I
Acid-Base Equilibria
Energetics II
Redox II
Transition Metals
Kinetics II
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry III
Organic Chemistry III
The structure of benzene and the evidence for it
- 3 things to know
- Papers 2 and 3
Overview
Recall questions on the Kekulé structure and the delocalised model, and on the bond lengths, hydrogenation enthalpies and lack of reactivity that decide between them.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Why does benzene burn with a smoky flame?
How does the Kekulé model represent the structure of benzene?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
How does the Kekulé model represent the structure of benzene?
Model answer
As a hexagonal ring with alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds.
- 2
In the delocalised model of benzene, what type of orbital does each carbon atom contribute to the π-system?
Model answer
Each carbon atom has one unhybridised p-orbital perpendicular to the ring plane.
- 3
How do the p-orbitals in benzene interact to form the delocalised system?
Model answer
Adjacent p-orbitals overlap sideways.
- 4
Describe the distribution of electrons in the delocalised model of benzene.
Model answer
Electrons are shared across all six carbon atoms, forming two ring-shaped electron clouds above and below the plane of the ring.
- 5
What enthalpy of hydrogenation would be predicted for cyclohexatriene based on the Kekulé structure?
Model answer
Approximately three times the enthalpy of hydrogenation of cyclohexene.
- 6
How does the actual enthalpy of hydrogenation of benzene compare to the predicted value for cyclohexatriene?
Model answer
Benzene releases significantly less energy than the predicted value for cyclohexatriene.
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