Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 4
Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene.
Benzene is now represented by this structure.
Figure 3 shows the relative stability of
$$C_6H_6(g)$$ compared to $$C_... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Kekulé suggested this structure for benzene - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Use Figure 3 and the data shown in Table 1 to calculate $$\Delta H_{z}$$.
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Answer
To calculate ΔHz, we can use the bond enthalpies provided in Table 1.
The bond enthalpies for the relevant bonds are:
Explain, in terms of structure and bonding, why $$C_6H_6$$ is more thermodynamically stable than $$C_6H_6$$.
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Benzene (C6H6) is more thermodynamically stable due to its resonance structure. The electrons in benzene are delocalized over the carbon atoms, which leads to a lower energy state compared to structures with localized double bonds. This delocalization results in stronger and more uniform C–C bonds throughout the ring, contributing to its overall stability.
Step 3
Complete the mechanism in Figure 4 by adding any lone pairs of electrons involved in each step.
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Step 1:
Add lone pair on the nitrogen to show the nucleophilic attack.
Draw two curly arrows from the N lone pair to the sulfuric acid framework.
Step 2:
Draw a curly arrow from the C–H bond towards the positive charge on the nitrogen, showing the formation of the intermediate.
Step 3:
Add a curly arrow from the bond between the benzene ring and the nitrogen to the benzene's carbon ring.
Show the N substituent moving off.
Step 4:
Draw a curly arrow from the bond to the sulfur atom back into the hexagon, indicating a new bond formation.
Step 4
Name of mechanism.
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The mechanism is called Electrophilic substitution.