Benzene is ……………. Molecule.

Options

A. Tetrahedral
B. Planar
C. Trigonal pyramidal
D. Square planar

Explanation

To determine the molecular geometry of benzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Benzene
Benzene (C6H6) consists of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring, with alternating single and double bonds between them. Each carbon atom is also bonded to one hydrogen atom.

### Step 2: Determine the Hybridization of Carbon Atoms
To find the hybridization of the carbon atoms in benzene, we can use the steric number concept. The steric number is calculated by counting the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around a central atom.

1. Each carbon in benzene forms:
- 2 sigma bonds with adjacent carbon atoms.
- 1 sigma bond with a hydrogen atom.

This gives each carbon a total of 3 sigma bonds.

### Step 3: Calculate the Steric Number
The steric number (SN) for each carbon atom in benzene is:
- SN = Number of sigma bonds + Number of lone pairs
- For carbon in benzene: SN = 3 + 0 = 3

### Step 4: Determine the Hybridization
Based on the steric number:
- A steric number of 3 corresponds to sp² hybridization.

### Step 5: Identify the Molecular Geometry
The geometry associated with sp² hybridization is planar. Therefore, benzene is a planar molecule.

### Conclusion
Benzene is a planar molecule due to the sp² hybridization of its carbon atoms.

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