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Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2

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Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene. Benzene is now represented by this structure. Figure 3 shows the relative stability of $$C_6H_6(g)$$ compared to $$C_... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2

Step 1

Use Figure 3 and the data shown in Table 1 to calculate $$\Delta H_{z}$$.

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Answer

To calculate ΔHz\Delta H_{z}, we can use the bond enthalpies provided in Table 1. The bond enthalpies for the relevant bonds are:

  • Bond enthalpy (C–C) = 612 kJ/mol
  • Bond enthalpy (C–H) = 412 kJ/mol

For benzene, we have 6 C–C bonds and 6 C–H bonds:

ΔHz=(6×612)+(6×412)83=5332kJ/mol83kJ/mol=5256kJ/mol\Delta H_{z} = (6 \times 612) + (6 \times 412) - 83 = 5332 kJ/mol - 83 kJ/mol = 5256 kJ/mol

Step 2

Explain, in terms of structure and bonding, why $$C_6H_6$$ is more thermodynamically stable than $$C_6H_6$$.

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Answer

Benzene (C6H6C_6H_6) is more thermodynamically stable due to its resonance structure. The electrons in benzene are delocalized over the carbon atoms, which leads to a lower energy state compared to structures with localized double bonds. This delocalization results in stronger and more uniform C–C bonds throughout the ring, contributing to its overall stability.

Step 3

Complete the mechanism in Figure 4 by adding any lone pairs of electrons involved in each step.

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Answer

  1. Step 1:

    • Add lone pair on the nitrogen to show the nucleophilic attack.
    • Draw two curly arrows from the N lone pair to the sulfuric acid framework.
  2. Step 2:

    • Draw a curly arrow from the C–H bond towards the positive charge on the nitrogen, showing the formation of the intermediate.
  3. Step 3:

    • Add a curly arrow from the bond between the benzene ring and the nitrogen to the benzene's carbon ring.
    • Show the N substituent moving off.
  4. Step 4:

    • Draw a curly arrow from the bond to the sulfur atom back into the hexagon, indicating a new bond formation.

Step 4

Name of mechanism.

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Answer

The mechanism is called Electrophilic substitution.

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