Question

Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C6H6. In the benzene molecule, carbon atoms form a ring with alternating single and double bonds connecting them. Thus, each individual carbon atom forms one σ bond with another carbon atom and one σ and one π bond with another carbon atom. Each carbon atom also forms one σ bond with a hydrogen atom. Identify which types of orbitals overlap to form the bonds between the atoms in a benzene molecule.

Answer 1

Answer:

$sp^2$

Explanation:

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The six-carbon benzene ring contains two types of bonds: C-C and C-H bonds, that are  $sp^2$-hybridized σ bonds, and the six π bonds that form the aromatic ring. The σ bonds form from one $s$ orbital and two $p$ orbitals from each carbon, which then bond the carbon to the two carbons on either side and the carbon's single hydrogen. The remaining $p$ orbital from each carbon atom sticks out above and below the plane of the ring; these $p$ orbitals overlap sideways, rather than lengthwise, to form the aromatic π bond system.

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