The Benzene Ring

This lesson covers: 

1. The structure and bonding in benzene
2. The delocalised model of benzene
3. Naming aromatic compounds
4. Differences in reactivity between benzene and alkenes

Benzene has a planar ring structure

Arenes are aromatic hydrocarbons that contain a benzene ring. Benzene is the simplest arene and has a planar ring structure. Benzene, with the molecular formula C₆H₆, is composed of a hexagonal ring that includes six carbon atoms. The planar structure of benzene is a result of sp² hybridisation of the carbon atoms.

Each of these sp² hybridised carbon atoms is bonded to the following:

• One hydrogen atom via a σ bond.
• Two other carbon atoms adjacent to it within the ring via σ bonds.

To depict benzene's structure, there are two primary models:

1. The Kekulé model - This represents the structure with alternating single and double bonds.
2. The delocalised model - This shows a ring of electrons that are delocalised, forming a π system.

Scientific evidence strongly supports the delocalised model. One such piece of evidence is the lower-than-expected enthalpy of hydrogenation for benzene, which suggests a remarkable stability. This stability is attributed to the delocalisation of electrons above and below the hexagonal ring.

How the delocalised model is formed

The delocalised model arises from overlap of the unhybridised p-orbitals on the six carbon atoms in benzene:

1. Each carbon contributes one electron from its unhybridised 2p orbital to a π-bonding system.
2. The p-orbitals overlap side-by-side around the ring, forming a delocalised system of 6 π-electrons.
3. This creates an electron density above and below the plane of carbon atoms.
4. The electrons are not fixed between specific atom pairs, but rather delocalised over the whole ring.

This delocalisation leads to equal C-C bond lengths between the carbon atoms and enhanced stability of the aromatic ring.

Naming aromatic compounds

Compounds that include a benzene ring are referred to as arenes or aromatic compounds.

There are two main systems used for naming these compounds:

1. Substituted benzene - Here, the names of the substituents precede the word "benzene". Examples include chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, and methylbenzene.

2. Phenyl derivatives - These compounds are named as derivatives of the phenyl group (C₆H₅^-). Examples include phenol and phenylamine.

When multiple substituents are present, the positions on the ring are numbered to clarify their locations:

• The numbering begins from the substituent that gives the molecule its suffix (for example, -OH in phenol).
• If all substituents are identical, numbering starts from any position and proceeds to give the lowest possible numbers.

Examples include 1,3-dibromobenzene and 2-bromophenylamine:

Differences in benzene and alkene reactivity

Benzene and alkenes exhibit significant differences in their chemical reactivities.

Alkenes readily undergo addition reactions

• Alkenes are known for their readiness to undergo addition reactions with electrophiles, such as bromine, by breaking the π-bond in the C=C double bond.
• For instance, ethene reacts with bromine at room temperature to produce 1,2-dibromoethane:

C₂H₄ + Br₂ ➔ CH₂BrCH₂Br

Benzene prefers substitution over addition

• Addition reactions in benzene are difficult due to the stability provided by its delocalised π-electron system. 
• Instead, benzene is more inclined to participate in substitution reactions, which preserve the aromatic ring's integrity.
• For instance, benzene reacts with bromine when heated in the presence of a catalyst to form bromobenzene and hydrogen bromide:

C₆H₆ + Br₂ ➔ C₆H₅Br + HBr

Delocalisation explains reactivity differences

• In benzene, the delocalised π-system across the ring has insufficient electron density to polarise the Br-Br bond, making addition reactions difficult. Heat and a catalyst are required to initiate the substitution reaction.
• In ethene, the localised π-system around the C=C double bond has sufficient electron density to polarise the Br-Br bond, allowing addition reactions to occur readily at room temperature without the need for a catalyst.