http://www.gci-net.com/users/k/knot/wiki/benz1.png |
http://www.wikipedia.com/images/uploads/benz1.png |
This is explained by electron delocalisation. In order to picture this, we must consider the position of electrons in the bonds of benzene. The single bonds are formed with electrons orbiting in paths in line with this page. The double bonds consist of a single bond and another bond. This second bond has electrons orbiting in paths above and below the plain of this page at each bonded carbon atom. In the diagram below we take a side-view of this occurring: |
This is explained by electron delocalisation. In order to picture this, we must consider the position of electrons in the bonds of benzene. The single bonds are formed with electrons orbiting in paths in line with this page. The double bonds consist of a single bond and another bond. This second bond has electrons orbiting in paths above and below the plain of this page at each bonded carbon atom. In the diagram below we take a side-view of this occurring: |
http://www.gci-net.com/users/k/knot/wiki/benz3.png |
http://www.wikipedia.com/images/uploads/benz3.png To reflect the delocalised nature of the bonding, benzene is usually depicted as a circle inside a hexagon in chemical structure diagrams: http://www.wikipedia.com/images/uploads/benz4.png Benzene occurs sufficiently often as a component of organic molecules that there is a Unicode symbol to represent it; code 232C, ⌬ |