Bond Lengths
Comparing the two contributing structures of benzene, all single and double bonds are interchanged. Bond lengths can be measured, for example using X-ray diffraction. The average length of a C-C single bond is 154 pm; that of a C=C double bond is 133 pm. In localized cyclohexatriene, the carbon-carbon bonds should be alternating 154 and 133 pm. Instead, all carbon-carbon bonds in benzene are found to be about 139 pm, a bond length intermediate between single and double bond. This mixed single and double bond (or triple bond) character is typical for all molecules in which bonds have a different bond order in different contributing structures.
Read more about this topic: Resonance (chemistry)
Famous quotes containing the words bond and/or lengths:
“The principle of subordination is the great bond of union and harmony through the universe.”
—Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)
“There seems to be no lengths to which humorless people will not go to analyze humor. It seems to worry them.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)