Benzene exhibits exceptionally high thermodynamic stability compared to hypothetical completely localized theoretical models (like the theoretical cyclohexatriene). What is the accepted value of the r

Question

Benzene exhibits exceptionally high thermodynamic stability compared to hypothetical completely localized theoretical models (like the theoretical cyclohexatriene). What is the accepted value of the resonance energy of benzene in kJ/mol?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 151. The resonance energy is the difference in potential energy between the actual delocalized resonance hybrid and the most stable theoretical contributing Kekule structure (cyclohexatriene with three isolated double bonds). Experimental heats of hydrogenation yield a resonance stabilization energy for benzene of approximately 151 kJ/mol (or 36 kcal/mol).

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