Benzene

Benzene

1. Delocalised model

   • Cyclic hydrocarbon with 6 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms
   • 6 carbons arranged in a planar hexagonal ring
   • Shape around each carbon is trigonal planar
   • Electron in p-orbital of a carbon atom overlaps with the electrons in the p-orbitals of the adjacent carbons
     • Results in ring of electron density above and below plane of carbons
   • Overlap produces system of pi bonds which spread over the 6 carbons

2. Electrophillic Substitution

   • Electron-dense ring attracts an electrophile

3. Benzene and Bromine

   • Benzene has delocalised pi-electrons spread over all 6 carbons whereas alkenes have pi-electrons above and below the double bond
   • Benzene has a lower pi-electron density than alkenes
   • Benzene is resistant to reactions with non-polar halogens

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