Chemistry For HSC Part 2 - Chapter No.7 - Benzene (Preparation, Physical Properties and Structure)

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Chapter No.6
Introduction To Organic Chemistry
Benzene
(Preparation, Physical Properties and Structure)

By Sir Asif Izhar (Anees Hussain)

Benzene

Benzene is an aromatic compound, its molecular formula is C₆H₆ and molecular mass is 78. Benzene was first isolated by Faraday in 1825 and was found to be one of the constituents of coal tar by Hofmann in 1845. Coal tar and petroleum are the two main sources of obtaining benzene and its derivative on industrial and commercial scale.

Methods Of Preparation Of Benzene C₆H₆

Physical Properties Of Benzene

1. Benzene is a colourless liquid having m.p. 5.5°C, b.p. 80°C with a peculiar smell.
2. It is highly inflammable as aromatic compounds contain more carbon and less hydrogen.
3. Benzene burns with a smoky flame.
4. It is immiscible in water and contains 93.6% carbon.
5. It is however miscible in ethanol and ether and dissolves fats, resins, sulphur, iodine etc.
6. It is toxic compound and causes blood cancer.
7. It is used for the manufacture of nitro-benzene, dyes and drugs.

Structure Of Benzene