Question

The molecule benzyne (C6H4) is a very reactive species. It resembles benzene in that it has a six-membred ring of carbon atoms.

a.) Draw a Lewis structure of the molecule.

b.) Which of the following explanations would account for the molecules high reactivity?

1) The molecule lacks valence electrons.

2) The molecule is highly strained and high in energy.

3) The molecule does not exhibit delocalized bonding.

4) There are only two double bonds in the Lewis structure.

Answer 1

a) Given below is the possible Lewis structure for benzyne.

b) The high reactivity of benzyne comes from the fact that,

2) The molecule is highly strained and high in energy

benzyne undergoes addiiton reaction at the high electron density triple bond site.

Answer 2

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