Q1-1-37E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

What is the shape of benzene, and what hybridization do you expect for each carbon?

                              

Benzene

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

                             Hybridization of carbon in benzene

Benzene

Benzene is an aromatic organic compound with a molecular formula C₆H₈  . As it has carbon and hydrogen atoms attached it is referred to as a hydrocarbon. 

Hybridization and bond angle in benzene

Benzene is made up of carbon atoms which are all  hybridized and form  bond angles. Since all the carbon atoms have a trigonal planar geometry, they make bonds on a single plane. 

Illustration of benzene orbitals

As, a result, benzene is a planar (flat) molecule. The hybridization of carbons in benzene is depicted as

                                         Hybridization of carbon in benzene