What is the carbon-carbon bond length in benzene?

Options

A. 1.20 Å and 1.31 Å
B. 1.39 Å
C. 1.39 Å and 1.20 Å
D. 1.20 Å

Answer

To determine the carbon-carbon bond length in benzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Benzene
Benzene is a cyclic compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring. Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom. The structure can be represented as a hexagon with alternating single and double bonds.

### Step 2: Recognize the Concept of Resonance
Benzene does not have fixed single or double bonds. Instead, it exhibits resonance, which means that the electrons are delocalized across the ring. This delocalization leads to the formation of partial double bonds between the carbon atoms.

### Step 3: Identify the Bonding in Benzene
In benzene, due to resonance, all carbon-carbon bonds are equivalent. This means that the bond lengths are the same for all carbon-carbon bonds in the ring, rather than alternating between single and double bonds.

### Step 4: Determine the Carbon-Carbon Bond Length
The bond length of the carbon-carbon bonds in benzene is approximately 1.39 Å (angstroms). This value represents the average bond length due to the resonance and delocalization of electrons.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the carbon-carbon bond length in benzene is 1.39 Å.

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