Question

What is the chemical equation for the reaction that corresponds to breaking just the carbon-carbon bonds in gaseous benzene, C6H6(g)? Indicate the phase of each species in your answer. Express your answer as a chemical equation including phases. View Available Hint(s)

Answer 1

It will break into 3 acetylenes. Look at the picture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The simple interpretation is shown on picture 1. Proposed mechanism is shown on picture 2.

Answer 2

C6H6(g) → 6CH(g)

Step-by-step explanation:

Benzene is formed by a ring of 6 carbons, alternating single and double bonds between them, and each carbon is bonded to one hydrogen. When the carbon-carbon bonds are broken, only the carbon-hydrogen bonds remain, so the reaction must be:

C6H6(g) → 6CH(g)

CH is an unstable radical and will react with the other radicals to be more stable.