Multiple Choice
Consider the molecule (benzene). Is this molecule aromatic?
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18. Aromaticity
Aromaticity
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the aromaticity of benzene ()?
A
Benzene is aromatic because it is cyclic, planar, fully conjugated, and contains π electrons that satisfy Hückel's rule.
B
Benzene is nonaromatic because it does not have a continuous ring of p orbitals.
C
Benzene is antiaromatic because it has π electrons.
D
Benzene is nonaromatic because it is not planar.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the criteria for aromaticity: a molecule must be cyclic, planar, fully conjugated (continuous overlap of p orbitals), and contain a specific number of π electrons that satisfy Hückel's rule, which is given by the formula \(4n + 2\), where \(n\) is a non-negative integer.
Examine benzene's structure: it is a six-membered carbon ring with alternating double bonds, making it cyclic and fully conjugated because each carbon has a p orbital overlapping with its neighbors.
Confirm planarity: benzene is planar, allowing for effective overlap of p orbitals across the ring, which is essential for delocalization of π electrons.
Count the π electrons in benzene: each double bond contributes 2 π electrons, and benzene has three double bonds, so total π electrons = \(6\).
Apply Hückel's rule: check if the number of π electrons fits \(4n + 2\). For \(n=1\), \(4(1) + 2 = 6\), which matches benzene's π electrons, confirming its aromaticity.
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