4E.9

[Erika Patel 3I]

For this question, I understand that we are supposed to calculate the different between having six resonance bonds between the carbons versus 3 C-C single bonds and 3 C=C double bonds. However, I don't understand why having a higher bond energy makes the resonance structure more stable and less reactive, since I would have thought that having more energy gives something more opportunity to interact. Can someone explain this concept?

[Sophia_Galstyan_3I]

When you have resonance, which is what exists in benzene...this leads to more stability which in turn leads to lower molar energy. You have a balanced distribution of atoms which leads to less electron-electron repulsion enabling it to have lower bond energy.