Question

Answer the following:
Give two examples which prove that benzene behaves differently than aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Answer 1

Benzene behaves like an unsaturated compound because we can hydrogenate it albeit in harsh conditions.
$C_6{H}_6+H_2\to C_6{H}_{12}$

Benzene behaves like a saturated compound because you usually need harsher conditions for those reactions to occur. Saturated compounds are relatively less reactive.

For example, alkanes can decolourize bromine water however you need to meet certain conditions. An example of Cyclohexane:
$C_6{H}_{12}+B{r}_2\to noreaction$

$C_6{H}_{12}+B{r}_2\to C_6{H}_{11}Br+HBr$
Condition: UV
On the other hand, alkenes readily decolourize bromine water even in the dark. An example of Ethene:
$C_2{H}_4+B{r}_2\to C_2{H}_{4}B{r}_2$

But Benzene needs a catalyst:
$C_6{H}_6+B{r}_2\to C_6{H}_{5}Br+HBr$
Catalyst: Anhydrous iron (III) bromide