Why is benzene stable?
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• The p orbitals on each carbon atom in benzene overlap

• There is delocalisation of electrons in the ring (not 3 localised C==C double bonds)
• This makes benzene more thermodynamically stable than predicted
• It therefore undergoes substitution reactions rather than addition reactions because addition reaction break the delocalisation in the ring. e.g The nitration of benzene results in a loss of H+ which is replaced by NO₂⁺

Other Notes in this Category

1. Defintions: Electrophile, nucleophile, radical
2. Making Alcohols from Alkenes
3. Manufacture of ammonia
4. Tests for organic compounds
5. Why is benzene stable?

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