Question

Carbons in graphite and benzene both exhibit sp2 hybridization with one leftover 2p electron. What is the difference in the function of the 2p electron in graphite versus the 2p electron in benzene?

a. There is no difference. The 2p electrons form and break double covalent bonds with other carbons in the compound.
b. The 2p electrons in benzene are delocalized to form the resonance structure, but the 2p electrons in graphite are not delocalized, and they form single sigma bonds with other carbons.
c. The delocalized 2p electrons in graphite help the graphite layers stick together electrostatically while in benzene the 2p electrons form resonant double bonds.
d. The 2p electron in graphite jumps to a higher energy level to form carbon bonds characteristic of a diamond, while the 2p electron in benzene forms a strong single bond with a neighboring carbon.

Answer 1

The 2p electron in benzene is delocalized across the entire ring forming resonance structures, making all C-C bonds equal and the molecule planar. In graphite, the 2p electrons contribute to delocalized pi bonding within layers, leading to electrical conductivity and layers that can easily slide over each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in the function of the 2p electron in graphite versus the 2p electron in benzene relates to the nature of their delocalization and bonding. In benzene, the 2p electrons are delocalized across the entire ring, contributing to the formation of resonance structures. This delocalization creates a stable system where all C-C bonds are a hybrid of single and double bonds, resulting in a planar structure.


In contrast, in graphite, the 2p electrons from each carbon atom help to form pi bonds with adjacent carbons in the same layer, leading to delocalized electron clouds that extend over the entire layer and contribute to the electrical conductivity of graphite. These layers are weakly held together by van der Waals forces, making graphite lubricious and allowing layers to slide over each other easily.