Question

What type of solid is benzene?

Answer 1

Hint: With the chemical formula \[{C_6}{H_6}\], benzene is an aromatic organic hydrocarbon. Many aromatic compounds have it as their parent compound. The smell of benzene makes it easy to detect its presence. By observing the intermolecular forces of benzene, we can identify the type of solid benzene.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Benzene is considered to be one of the most important organic molecules which have a chemical formula \[{C_6}{H_6}\] . Many aromatic compounds are thought to have benzene as their parent substance. One of the simplest organic substances and aromatic hydrocarbons is benzene. It is one of the basic petrochemicals and one of the naturally occurring components of crude oil. It is a colourless liquid with a smell akin to gasoline. One of the most poisonous and naturally carcinogenic substances is benzene. It is primarily employed in the manufacture of polystyrene.

However, benzene is also one of the naturally occurring chemicals that are created by volcanoes and forest fires and is found in many plants and animals. In terms of polarity, benzene is a molecular solid. Intermolecular interactions including dipole-dipole forces, London dispersion forces, hydrogen bonds, and covalent bonds hold the atoms or molecules in this type of solid together. London dispersion forces are the ones that hold the molecules of benzene together.

Hence, benzene is a molecular solid.

Note: The majority of benzene reactions fall under a category known as the electrophilic aromatic substitution, which finally leaves the ring intact but replaces it with one of the hydrogens linked to it. These reactions have a wide range of applications and are frequently employed to create benzene derivatives.