Total number of pi-electrons in benzene is

Options

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6

Answer

To determine the total number of pi-electrons in benzene, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the structure of benzene
Benzene (C6H6) is a cyclic compound with a planar structure. It consists of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring, with alternating single and double bonds.

**Hint:** Remember that benzene is an aromatic compound with a specific resonance structure.

### Step 2: Identify the hybridization of carbon atoms
In benzene, each carbon atom is sp² hybridized. This means that each carbon atom forms three sigma bonds (one with each of its neighboring carbon atoms and one with a hydrogen atom) and has one unhybridized p-orbital.

**Hint:** Recall that sp² hybridization involves one s and two p orbitals, leaving one p orbital available for pi bonding.

### Step 3: Determine the number of pi bonds
In benzene, there are three double bonds (or pi bonds) formed due to the overlap of the unhybridized p-orbitals from adjacent carbon atoms. However, due to resonance, these pi bonds are often represented as a delocalized system of electrons.

**Hint:** Consider how the pi bonds are distributed across the benzene ring.

### Step 4: Calculate the total number of pi electrons
Each pi bond consists of two pi electrons. Since there are three pi bonds in benzene, the total number of pi electrons can be calculated as follows:

Total pi electrons = Number of pi bonds × 2
Total pi electrons = 3 × 2 = 6

**Hint:** Remember that each pi bond contributes two electrons to the total count.

### Conclusion
The total number of pi-electrons in benzene is 6.

**Final Answer:** 6 pi-electrons