What is the molecular formula for benzene?

The molecular formula for benzene is C6H6. Benzene is a well-known aromatic hydrocarbon with a ring structure composed of six carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen atom. This specific arrangement leads to a total of six carbon and six hydrogen atoms, giving it the formula C6H6.

The structure of benzene includes alternating single and double bonds between the carbon atoms, but due to resonance, it is often represented with a hexagonal shape and a circle in the center to indicate that the electrons are delocalized over the ring. This stability and unique bonding contribute to its chemical properties.

The other options represent different hydrocarbons. For instance, C6H12 indicates a saturated hydrocarbon (an alkane) with additional hydrogen atoms compared to benzene, suggesting a different structural formula and lack of aromaticity. C5H10 indicates a different molecular composition with fewer carbon atoms, leading to a different structure altogether, while C7H8 corresponds to toluene, a derivative of benzene which has one additional carbon but still maintains the aromatic system. Thus, C6H6 precisely captures the molecular identity of benzene.