The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon Anthracene () consists of three fused benzene rings. According t — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question
Question
The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon Anthracene ($C_{14}H_{10}$) consists of three fused benzene rings. According to Huckel's $(4n+2)$ $\pi$ electron rule, what is the exact integer value of '$n$' for the fully delocalized peripheral system of Anthracene?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Anthracene contains three linearly fused benzenoid rings. The molecule features 7 distinct conjugated double bonds across its planar skeletal framework. Each double bond contributes 2 $\pi$ electrons to the delocalized cyclic cloud, resulting in a total of 14 $\pi$ electrons. Applying Huckel's rule: $4n + 2 = 14 \implies 4n = 12 \implies n = 3$.