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Which of the following statements describe the bonding in benzene?

1) Benzene consists of alternating single and double bonds.
2) Benzene has a planar hexagonal structure.
3) The bond lengths in benzene are equal.
4) The bond angles in benzene are 120 degrees.
5) Benzene exhibits resonance.

User Hatchet
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Final answer:

Benzene has a planar hexagonal structure with equal bond lengths and 120-degree bond angles, does not consist of alternating single and double bonds but exhibits resonance, represented by a circle inside the hexagon to indicate delocalized electron bonding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bonding in benzene can be described by the following statements:

  • Benzene does not consist of alternating single and double bonds; the actual bonding situation is a hybrid of two resonance structures, leading to all C-C bonds being equivalent, which is not accurately depicted by alternating single and double bonds.
  • Benzene has a planar hexagonal structure, which contributes to its stability and unique properties.
  • The bond lengths in benzene are equal, reflecting the delocalized electrons across the carbon atoms that make benzene's structure and bonding very stable.
  • The bond angles in benzene are indeed 120 degrees, as expected for a planar hexagonal molecule composed of sp²-hybridized carbon atoms.
  • Benzene exhibits resonance; this characteristic is a consequence of the delocalization of electrons, which can be represented by a hexagon with an inscribed circle to symbolize the equivalent nature of the C-C bonds.
User Mortenpi
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