Lewis Structure Generator
Reviewed aromatic-structure guide

C₆H₆ Lewis Structure: Benzene

Benzene is a six-carbon ring with one hydrogen on each carbon. Two equivalent Kekulé contributors use alternating double bonds, while the real π system is delocalized around the ring.

Reviewed July 16, 2026 · Aromatic bonding limitation explained

Generate C₆H₆Organic drawing guide

Quick answer

Electron count

6 C contribute 24 and 6 H contribute 6: 30 valence electrons.

Skeleton

Six carbon atoms form a ring; each carbon carries one hydrogen.

Geometry

Each carbon is approximately trigonal planar and the molecule is planar.

How to draw benzene

  1. Draw a six-membered carbon ring.
  2. Attach one hydrogen to every carbon.
  3. Count the six C–C and six C–H single bonds.
  4. Add three alternating C=C bonds to complete all carbon octets.
  5. Draw the second Kekulé contributor by shifting all three double bonds one position.

Why alternating bonds are not the full answer

The two Kekulé drawings are equivalent contributors. Experimental benzene has six equivalent C–C bonds because six π electrons are delocalized around the ring. A circle inside the hexagon is often used as a compact aromatic symbol.

Common mistake: claiming benzene has three permanently single and three permanently double C–C bonds. The Lewis contributors are bookkeeping drawings of a delocalized resonance hybrid.