How many total equivalent Lewis structures are needed to describe the cyclic compound benzene, C₆H₆?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benzene can be represented by two equivalent Lewis structures, known as the Kekulé structures. In these structures, each carbon is either singly bonded to two other carbons and doubly bonded to one other carbon or the opposite arrangement. The resonance hybrid of these structures is the true representation of the molecule. Therefore, only two structures are needed to describe benzene.

How Many Total Equivalent Lewis Structures Are Needed to Describe