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Benzene

Category: Chemistry

Level: SS3

Syllabus topic: SS3 Organic Chemistry (Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

Formula: C₆H₆

Description: Benzene (C₆H₆) is a clear, colorless, and highly flammable liquid with a sweet odor, best known for its stable, flat six-carbon ring structure. It is a foundational organic chemical used globally to manufacture plastics, nylon, rubber, and detergents, and it occurs naturally in crude oil and gasoline. Despite its industrial importance, benzene is a dangerous toxin and known carcinogen, with strict safety limits to prevent long-term health risks like leukemia.

📝 Exam Key Points
  1. C₆H₆ is a planar hexagon with delocalised π electrons; all C–C bonds are equal in length.
  2. It undergoes substitution (nitration, halogenation) rather than addition and does not decolourise bromine water.
  3. Used to make plastics, detergents and nylon; it is a carcinogen.

Benzene

C₆H₆

Chemistry · SS3

Syllabus topic: SS3 Organic Chemistry (Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

Key Exam Points

  1. C₆H₆ is a planar hexagon with delocalised π electrons; all C–C bonds are equal in length.
  2. It undergoes substitution (nitration, halogenation) rather than addition and does not decolourise bromine water.
  3. Used to make plastics, detergents and nylon; it is a carcinogen.

Student Notes

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