Question

Knowing that benzene C 6 H 6 contains a ring, a student proposed the following structure for benzene

A) Linear structure
B) Tetrahedral structure
C) Trigonal planar structure
D) Hexagonal ring structure

Answer 1

Benzene has a hexagonal ring structure represented with a circle inside the hexagon, indicating delocalized electrons which contribute to its unique properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct structure for benzene (C6H6) is a hexagonal ring structure. Benzene is known for its unique chemical properties, such as all of its carbon-to-carbon bonds being equivalent and the molecule's unexpected stability. These properties are due to the molecule's cyclic nature where the carbon atoms form a planar hexagonal ring. Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom. Chemistry often represents benzene with alternating single and double bonds, which are not fixed but rather resonate between the carbon atoms, leading to a structure with a hexagon and an inscribed circle to denote the delocalized electrons.