Question detail
Define benzene and theoretical cyclohexatriene. What is the key difference in their stability?
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Question
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exam_style
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Topic
Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
Question
Define benzene and theoretical cyclohexatriene. What is the key difference in their stability?
Answer
Benzene is a stable aromatic compound with a cyclic structure and delocalised electrons, while theoretical cyclohexatriene is a hypothetical compound that would have alternating double bonds and is less stable due to localized electrons. The key difference in stability arises from benzene's resonance stabilization, which allows for lower energy and greater stability compared to cyclohexatriene.
Explanation
This question tests the student's understanding of the concepts of aromatic stability and resonance. By requiring definitions and a comparison, it assesses their ability to articulate the differences in stability between these two structures.
Common mistake
Understanding Stability
Students often confuse the stability of benzene with that of theoretical cyclohexatriene, thinking they are equally stable.
Benzene is more stable than cyclohexatriene due to its delocalised electrons, which provide resonance stabilization. Remember that benzene's structure allows for electron delocalization across the ring, while cyclohexatriene does not have this feature.
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