Question

Benzene is a resonance hybrid mainly of two Kekule's structures. Hence :

• A. half of the molecules correspond to one structure, and half of the second structure
• B. at low temperatures benzene can be separated into two structures
• C. two structures make equal contribution to resonance hybrid
• D. an individual benzene molecule changes back and forth between two structures

Answer 1

The correct option is C two structures make equal contribution to resonance hybrid

In Kekule's structure, the carbon atoms in benzene are arranged in a hexagonal ring with each carbon atom is attached to two other carbon atoms.

The ring contains alternate single and double bond.

These double bonds are due to the $\pi$ electrons present in benzene.

These $\pi$ electrons can delocalize and form two structures with different position of a double bond.

These are the resonance contributor. Thus, they contribute equally to form a resonance hybrid.