Hydrogen bond is formed between hydrogen atoms and highly electronegative elements. It is of two types -intermolecular and intramolecualar It is a weaker bond than ionic, covalent and metallic bonds
In a suitable slovent such as benzene, benzoic acid associates and exists as a .

Options

A. dimer
B. trimer
C. tetramer
D. hexamer

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the association of benzoic acid in a suitable solvent like benzene, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonds are formed between hydrogen atoms and highly electronegative elements such as fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen. These bonds can be classified into two types: intermolecular (between different molecules) and intramolecular (within the same molecule).

**Hint:** Recall that hydrogen bonds are weaker than ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

### Step 2: Identify the Structure of Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid has the chemical formula C6H5COOH. It consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) attached to a carboxylic acid group (COOH).

**Hint:** Visualize the structure of benzoic acid to understand how the molecules can interact with each other.

### Step 3: Analyze the Solvent
In this case, the solvent is benzene. Benzene is a non-polar solvent that can dissolve non-polar and slightly polar substances, such as benzoic acid.

**Hint:** Consider how the properties of the solvent (benzene) affect the solubility and interaction of benzoic acid.

### Step 4: Determine the Association of Benzoic Acid
In benzene, benzoic acid molecules can associate with each other through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Each benzoic acid molecule can form a hydrogen bond with another benzoic acid molecule.

**Hint:** Think about how the hydrogen bonding between different molecules leads to their association.

### Step 5: Identify the Type of Association
Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, benzoic acid molecules in benzene primarily exist as dimers. A dimer consists of two molecules that are bonded together.

**Hint:** Remember that a dimer is specifically formed when two molecules are linked through hydrogen bonding.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Thus, in a suitable solvent like benzene, benzoic acid associates and exists as a dimer.

**Final Answer:** The correct option is **A) dimer**.