Question

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the structure of benzene? a) The carbon-carbon bonds rapidly alternate between single and double bonds. b) The C-C-C bond angles are 120°. c) The hydrogen atoms are equivalent. d) The π bonds are completely conjugated.

Answer 1

a) The carbon-carbon bonds rapidly alternate between single and double bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

In benzene we have that the molecule is planar with an sp² hybridization that allow for three π bonds and the carbons atoms are also bonded together via sigma a sp² hibridization as well as one hydrogen atom. The alternation of or conjugation of the π bond allow the delocalization of these electron along the whole ring.

Therefore, a) is false the carbon-carbon bonds rapidly alternate between single and double bond. The electrons in the π bonds are completely delocalized through the six atoms in the ring.

b) is true since we have a sp² hybridization.

c) and d) are true for the reasons given previously.