Cyclohexane vs. Benzene: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 20, 2023
Cyclohexane is a saturated hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms in a ring, while benzene is an aromatic compound with alternating double bonds in a six-carbon ring.
Key Differences
Cyclohexane and benzene are both six-membered carbon ring compounds, but they differ significantly in their chemical properties and structure. Cyclohexane is a saturated hydrocarbon, meaning it only contains single bonds between its carbon atoms. On the other hand, benzene is an unsaturated compound with a planar structure and alternating double bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
When considering reactivity, cyclohexane and benzene behave differently. Due to its saturated nature, cyclohexane generally undergoes substitution reactions. Benzene, however, due to its resonance-stabilized structure and aromaticity, is less reactive and tends to undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
From an electron perspective, benzene is rich with delocalized π electrons due to its conjugated double bonds. This delocalization provides benzene its stability and unique aromatic properties. Conversely, cyclohexane lacks this electron delocalization, making its behavior markedly different from benzene.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Toxicity and environmental concerns are also distinctions between cyclohexane and benzene. Benzene is known to be carcinogenic and poses various health risks upon exposure. Cyclohexane, while flammable, does not share the same degree of toxicological concerns as benzene.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Chemical Reactivity
Undergoes substitution reactions
Undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Cyclohexane and Benzene Definitions
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is a six-membered saturated hydrocarbon.
The sample contained pure cyclohexane.
Huma Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
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Benzene
Benzene has delocalized π electrons.
The stability of benzene is attributed to its delocalized electrons.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is a common solvent in labs.
We used cyclohexane as the solvent for the reaction.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Benzene
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon.
Benzene is a common starting material in organic synthesis.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is a cyclic alkane.
The molecule was identified as cyclohexane, a cyclic alkane.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Benzene
Benzene is a six-membered ring with alternating double bonds.
The aromatic nature of benzene makes it unique.
Huma Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
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Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane possesses single bonds between carbon atoms.
Cyclohexane was chosen due to its lack of double bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Benzene
Benzene is known for its carcinogenic properties.
Workers are advised to limit exposure to benzene.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane can exist in various conformations.
The chair conformation is the most stable form of cyclohexane.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Benzene
Benzene is a planar molecule.
The symmetric, planar structure of benzene was confirmed through X-ray crystallography.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Cyclohexane
A flammable, colorless, mobile liquid cycloalkane, C6H12, obtained from petroleum and benzene and used in the manufacture of nylon and as a solvent, a paint remover, and a varnish remover.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Benzene
A colorless, flammable, toxic, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, C6H6, derived from petroleum and used in or to manufacture a wide variety of chemical products, including DDT, detergents, insecticides, and motor fuels. Also called benzol.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Cyclohexane
(organic compound) An alicyclic hydrocarbon, C6H12, consisting of a ring of six carbon atoms; a volatile liquid.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
FAQs
How does the bond structure differ between cyclohexane and benzene?
Cyclohexane has single bonds only, while benzene has alternating double bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
What is benzene?
An aromatic compound with a six-carbon ring and alternating double bonds.
Huma Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Why is benzene considered aromatic?
Due to its stability and delocalized π electrons.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is benzene reactive?
Yes, but it primarily undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Why is benzene considered carcinogenic?
Exposure has been linked to various cancers, especially leukemia.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Are both benzene and cyclohexane liquids?
Yes, both are volatile liquids at room temperature.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Is benzene naturally occurring?
Yes, it's found in crude oil and released from volcanoes and forest fires.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Why are benzene rings often seen in drugs and dyes?
The aromatic ring structure often plays a crucial role in the molecule's functionality.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
What kind of reactions does cyclohexane undergo?
Mainly substitution reactions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Can cyclohexane be converted to benzene?
Yes, through a process called aromatization.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
How do the boiling points of cyclohexane and benzene compare?
They are relatively close, but benzene's is slightly higher.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Why is benzene more stable than expected?
Due to the resonance and delocalization of its π electrons.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Do cyclohexane and benzene have the same density?
No, their densities differ due to their distinct molecular structures.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does cyclohexane exhibit resonance like benzene?
No, cyclohexane lacks the conjugated system benzene has.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
How are benzene and cyclohexane used in industry?
Both are solvents, but benzene is also a precursor in many chemical syntheses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
