The number of `sp^2-s` sigma bonds in benzene are

Options

A. 3
B. 6
C. 12
D. none of these

Answer

To determine the number of `sp^2-s` sigma bonds in benzene (C6H6), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Benzene**:
Benzene is a cyclic compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring, with alternating double bonds. Each carbon atom in benzene is `sp^2` hybridized.

2. **Identify the Hybridization**:
In `sp^2` hybridization, one s orbital and two p orbitals mix to form three equivalent `sp^2` hybrid orbitals. Each carbon atom in benzene uses these `sp^2` hybrid orbitals to form sigma bonds.

3. **Count the Sigma Bonds**:
- Each carbon atom in benzene forms three sigma bonds:
- Two with adjacent carbon atoms (one on each side).
- One with a hydrogen atom.
- Since there are six carbon atoms in benzene, and each forms three sigma bonds, we can calculate the total number of sigma bonds:
\[ \text{Total sigma bonds} = 6 \text{ (carbon atoms)} \times 1 \text{ (C-H bond)} + 6 \text{ (C-C bonds)} = 6 + 6 = 12 \]

4. **Identify the `sp^2-s` Sigma Bonds**:
However, the question specifically asks for the `sp^2-s` sigma bonds. The `sp^2-s` sigma bonds refer to the bonds formed between the `sp^2` hybridized carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms.
- Each of the six carbon atoms forms one `sp^2-s` sigma bond with a hydrogen atom.

5. **Final Count**:
Therefore, the total number of `sp^2-s` sigma bonds in benzene is:
\[ \text{Total `sp^2-s` sigma bonds} = 6 \]

### Conclusion:
The number of `sp^2-s` sigma bonds in benzene is **6**.