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Describe the structure of benzene in terms of (i) the bonding between the carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms, (ii) the bonding between the carbon atoms. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question d - 2013
Question d
Describe the structure of benzene in terms of (i) the bonding between the carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms, (ii) the bonding between the carbon atoms.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the structure of benzene in terms of (i) the bonding between the carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms, (ii) the bonding between the carbon atoms. - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question d - 2013
Step 1
(i) the bonding between the carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms.
Answer
In benzene, the bonding between carbon and hydrogen atoms can be described as follows:
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Each carbon atom in benzene forms a sigma (σ) bond with one hydrogen atom. This involves the overlap of a carbon atom's sp² hybrid orbital with the 1s orbital of a hydrogen atom.
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The bonding is characterized by the sharing of a pair of electrons, resulting in a single covalent bond.
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Since there are six carbon atoms in benzene, there are six equivalent carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Step 2
(ii) the bonding between the carbon atoms.
Answer
The bonding between carbon atoms in benzene has several key features:
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Each carbon atom forms a sigma (σ) bond with two neighboring carbon atoms, utilizing the end-on overlap of their sp² hybrid orbitals.
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Additionally, there is a delocalized system of electrons that arises from the p orbitals of the carbon atoms, leading to the formation of pi (π) bonds.
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This results in a structure that exhibits resonance, where the carbon-carbon bonds are of equal length and strength, being intermediate between single and double bonds.
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The overall electron structure can be visualized as a ring of delocalized electrons above and below the plane of the carbon atoms, creating stability in the benzene molecule.