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CAIE A-Level Chemistry 29.3 Shapes and Bonding in Aromatic Molecules

Practise explaining aromatic geometry through sp² hybridisation, σ bonding and sideways p-orbital overlap.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
A2

Exam points

  • state that benzene is a planar hexagonal molecule with 120° bond angles and sp²-hybridised carbon atoms
  • describe σ bonds as end-on overlap involving carbon sp² orbitals and hydrogen 1s orbitals where applicable
  • explain the delocalised π system as sideways overlap of parallel p orbitals above and below the ring

Covered syllabus points

29.3.1—Shape of benzene and other aromatic molecules

29.3 Shapes of aromatic organic molecules; σ and π bonds question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Cumene is an aromatic hydrocarbon used in the synthesis of other useful chemicals.

cumene

cumene

Complete Table 5.1 to show the number of sp2\mathrm{sp}^{2} and sp3\mathrm{sp}^{3} hybridised carbon atoms that are present in a molecule of cumene.

Table 5.1

Table 5.1

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