Question

Calculate the number of sigma(σ) and pi(π) bonds present in benzene (C6H6).

(a) 6 σ and 3 π

(b) 3 σ and 6 π

(c) 3 σ and 12 π

(d) 12 σ and 3 π

The question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

The question is from Aromatic Hydrocarbon topic in section Hydrocarbons of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) 12 σ and 3 π

The best explanation: Sigma bonds are the strongest type of covalent bond, formed by head-on overlapping. In benzene, there are 6(C-C) σ bonds and 6(C-H) σ bonds. Pi bonds are formed by lateral overlapping of atomic orbitals. There are totally 3(C=C) π bonds.