The ratio of π to σ bond in benzene is

CONCEPT:

Bonds in Benzene

• Benzene (C₆H₆) is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a ring structure consisting of six carbon atoms.
• Each carbon atom in the benzene ring forms three sigma (σ) bonds: two with adjacent carbon atoms and one with a hydrogen atom.
• The remaining p-orbitals on each carbon atom overlap to form a delocalized π-electron cloud above and below the plane of the ring.

EXPLANATION:

• In benzene, each carbon-carbon bond consists of one sigma (σ) bond and one component of the delocalized π-bond system.
• Since benzene has six carbon-carbon bonds, there are a total of 6 sigma (σ) bonds in the ring and 6 σ bond C-H.
• The delocalized π-electron cloud is formed by the overlap of p-orbitals from each of the six carbon atoms, contributing to the π-bond system.
• Thus, there is one delocalized π-bond system in benzene.
• The ratio of π to σ bonds in benzene is calculated as follows:
  • Total number of π bonds = 3 (delocalized π-bond system)
  • Total number of σ bonds = 12 (one for each C-C bond)
  • Ratio of π to σ bonds = 3 : 12 = 1: 4

Therefore, the ratio of π to σ bonds in benzene is 1 : 4.