C6H6 Definition, Discovery, Properties

In this article, we will discuss the definition of benzene and its chemical formula, C₆H₆. Benzene is a chemical compound also known as cyclohexatriene according to its chemical formula. It is composed of six carbons each attached with one hydrogen in a planar ring. The structure of benzene has an alternative symbol inside the hexagon that is indicated by the ring. Benzene is an aromatic compound composed of atoms of hydrogen and carbon and hence it is called hydrocarbon. It is famous for its aromatic behaviour as it has a sweet fragrance.

Here in the article, we will also discuss its discovery and its chemical as well as physical properties.

Definition of C₆H₆

Benzene is a chemical compound hydrocarbon having a chemical formula of C₆H₆. It has six carbon atoms combined with hydrogen atoms. It has delocalized electrons that are to move around in the benzene denoted by the ring in the structure. Hydrocarbons have atoms of hydrogen and carbon and the central atom is carbon where carbon is hybridised and the surrounding atoms are hydrogen. The hybridization type of benzene is sp2.

Benzene is a colourless liquid that is flammable. Its weight is lighter than water. In benzene, hydrogen and carbon atoms are present. The double bonds in the structure are isolated by a single bond, hence this configuration is understood to have conjugated double bonds. A circle in the structure indicates an alternative symbol inside the hexagon that represents free electrons in pi bonds.

Discovery of C₆H₆

The name benzene originates from the word Gum Benzoin. C₆H₆ was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1825 from illuminating gas and he named the compound bicarbonate of hydrogen. Later C₆H₆ was named benzene by German Chemist Mitscherlich in 1833. In 1845 one the German chemist von Hoffman separated the benzene from coal tar. Structure of benzene was discovered by Chemist Joseph in1861.

And August Kekule invented the cyclic structure of benzene in which all six each Carbon attached with one hydrogen and delocalised electrons move around the benzene structure as an alternative symbol inside the hexagon in the form of a ring that increases the stability and conductivity of benzene. And lastly, in 1931 Linus Pauling suggested that benzene has a single structure and two resonance structures.

Physical properties of C₆H₆

• It is a sweet aromatic chemical compound.
• It shows two resonance structures.
• It is a colourless liquid compound.
• Its boiling point is 80.1°C and its melting point is 5.5° C.
• It is not soluble in water and it is only soluble in chemical organic solutions.
• It is lighter than water as its density is 0.87 gm/cm3.

Chemical Properties of C₆H₆

Sulfonation of C₆H₆

Sulfonation of C₆H₆ (benzene) is a chemical process of heating benzene in the presence of sulphuric acid to obtain benzenesulfonic acid as a product. It is a reversible process.

Nitration of C₆H₆

Nitration of C₆H₆ is a chemical process in which C₆H₆ reacts with nitric acid at 323-333K temperature in the presence of sulphuric acid to produce nitroBenzene.

Halogenation of C₆H₆

Halogenation of C₆H₆ is a chemical reaction with halogens in the presence of acids FeCl3, and FeBr3 to obtain aryl halides.

 Friedel Crafts Alkylation

C₆H₆ reacts with an alkyl halide in the presence of any Lewis acid to give the product in alkylBenzene.

Friedel Crafts Acylation

C₆H₆ reacts with an acyl halide in the presence of any (Lewis acid) FeCl3, and FeBr3 to form acyl Benzene.

Combustion of C₆H₆

In the combustion of C6H6, it burns to evolve CO2 and water as products.

C₆H₆+O₂→CO₂+H₂O

In addition reaction of C₆H₆

In Addition of chlorine to Benzene in the presence of UV rays gives the product of Benzene hexachloride.

Facts About C₆H₆

• It is toxic and is considered to be a carcinogen.
• It has a planar structure with carbon bonds at a distance of 1.40 angstroms.
• It has a single structure but two resonance structures.
• It is highly conductive and stable, not soluble in water but soluble in organic solutions

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed C6H6 (benzene), a compound composed of hydrogen and carbon, its definition, its discoveries, and its chemical and physical properties. The article also highlights details of this aromatic compound that has a ring-like structure and its chemical reaction with different compounds to form different types of products. We have also covered facts about the feature of C6H6 that it is toxic and also hazardous to the health of individuals. The article makes the student go through the topic and understand it in an easy and meaningful way.