Chapter 7- Benzene and aromatic compounds

BENZENE

• Benzene is the simplest arene 
• Carcinogen- levels are carefully monitored
• Uses:
  -polystyrene
  -detergents
  -cyclohexane for nylon
  -dyes, medicine, explosives

Structure of benzene

• Kekule suggested 6 Carbons in a ring with alternating double bonds
• Remaining p-orbitals form pi-bonds by overlapping causing a ring of delocalised electrons known as a delocalised pi rings

Evidence:

• X-ray diffraction…