Chapter 20: Problem 103
Benzene is the parent member of the group of hydrocarbons called _____ hydrocarbons.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Aromatic hydrocarbons.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding benzene's chemical structure
Benzene is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H6. Its structure consists of a hexagonal ring with alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds, and a hydrogen atom bonded to each carbon atom.
02
Identify the group of hydrocarbons
Based on the chemical structure of benzene, where it has a hexagonal ring of carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds, it belongs to the group of hydrocarbons called "aromatic" hydrocarbons.
The answer is: Aromatic hydrocarbons.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Benzene Chemical Structure
The chemical structure of benzene is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry. Benzene is symbolized by the molecular formula C6H6, indicating that it is composed of six carbon (C) atoms and six hydrogen (H) atoms. The uniqueness of benzene lies in its hexagonal ring shape, where carbon atoms are connected to each other forming a continuous loop. Each carbon atom in the ring is bonded to one hydrogen atom.
What sets the benzene ring apart is the presence of alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds. This arrangement is not rigid; the double bonds are not fixed in place but are delocalized throughout the ring. In reality, the electrons that form these bonds are shared evenly among all the carbon atoms, creating a circle of electron density above and below the plane of the ring. This uniform sharing of electrons provides remarkable stability to the benzene molecule and is a key feature of its chemical behavior.
Despite the representation of benzene with distinct single and double bonds, all the carbon-carbon bond lengths in the benzene ring are actually equal, and the molecule is planar (flat). This phenomenon is termed 'resonance' and is critical to understanding the reactivity and properties of benzene in complex chemical reactions.
What sets the benzene ring apart is the presence of alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds. This arrangement is not rigid; the double bonds are not fixed in place but are delocalized throughout the ring. In reality, the electrons that form these bonds are shared evenly among all the carbon atoms, creating a circle of electron density above and below the plane of the ring. This uniform sharing of electrons provides remarkable stability to the benzene molecule and is a key feature of its chemical behavior.
Despite the representation of benzene with distinct single and double bonds, all the carbon-carbon bond lengths in the benzene ring are actually equal, and the molecule is planar (flat). This phenomenon is termed 'resonance' and is critical to understanding the reactivity and properties of benzene in complex chemical reactions.
Organic Compound
An 'organic compound' is typically characterized as a molecule that contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often in long chains or rings. One of the most simple and yet intriguing examples of an organic compound is benzene. It serves not only as a common solvent but also as a starting material for synthesizing a large variety of other organic compounds.
Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Benzene is a key player in this field due to its role in giving rise to numerous derivative compounds. Companies make everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals by modifying the basic benzene ring with different atoms or groups of atoms. This versatility comes from the properties endowed by the aromatic ring structure, which imparts considerable chemical stability and reactivity under specific conditions.
Benzene's importance is underscored by its designation as a building block for other chemical compounds. The ability to substitute hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring with other atoms or groups greatly expands the number of potential compounds with diverse functions and applications in everyday life.
Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Benzene is a key player in this field due to its role in giving rise to numerous derivative compounds. Companies make everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals by modifying the basic benzene ring with different atoms or groups of atoms. This versatility comes from the properties endowed by the aromatic ring structure, which imparts considerable chemical stability and reactivity under specific conditions.
Benzene's importance is underscored by its designation as a building block for other chemical compounds. The ability to substitute hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring with other atoms or groups greatly expands the number of potential compounds with diverse functions and applications in everyday life.
Carbon-Carbon Bonds
Carbon-carbon bonds form the backbone of many organic molecules, including benzene. There are three primary types of carbon-carbon bonds: single, double, and triple bonds. Single bonds are the longest and most flexible, double bonds are shorter and rigid, and triple bonds are the shortest and stiffest of all carbon-carbon bond types.
In the context of benzene, we encounter a unique situation where the carbon-carbon bonds fluctuate between single and double bond character due to electron delocalization. This alternating pattern of bonds within the benzene ring is indicative of a larger class of compounds known as 'aromatic' compounds. Aromatic compounds possess rings with delocalized pi electrons, which confer exceptional stability. This stability is often exemplified by a resistance to typical addition reactions that easily occur with non-aromatic alkenes. Instead, benzene and its aromatic relatives often undergo substitution reactions where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced with another substituent, preserving the aromatic core.
The enhanced stability due to the delocalization of electrons makes carbon-carbon bonds within benzene unusually robust. This distinct chemical behavior significantly impacts the reactivity and physical properties of benzene and has profound implications in the synthesis and design of new molecules in organic chemistry.
In the context of benzene, we encounter a unique situation where the carbon-carbon bonds fluctuate between single and double bond character due to electron delocalization. This alternating pattern of bonds within the benzene ring is indicative of a larger class of compounds known as 'aromatic' compounds. Aromatic compounds possess rings with delocalized pi electrons, which confer exceptional stability. This stability is often exemplified by a resistance to typical addition reactions that easily occur with non-aromatic alkenes. Instead, benzene and its aromatic relatives often undergo substitution reactions where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced with another substituent, preserving the aromatic core.
The enhanced stability due to the delocalization of electrons makes carbon-carbon bonds within benzene unusually robust. This distinct chemical behavior significantly impacts the reactivity and physical properties of benzene and has profound implications in the synthesis and design of new molecules in organic chemistry.
