Despite their similar names, benzene and benzine are fundamentally different substances with different properties and uses. However, both are hydrocarbons and exist as colorless, volatile, and flammable liquids.
What is the difference between benzene and benzine? Benzene is a specific compound with the chemical formula C6H6, whereas benzine is a liquid mixture of various hydrocarbons obtained during the distillation of petroleum.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Benzene
– Definition, Features
2. What is Benzine
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Benzene and Benzine
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Benzene and Benzine
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Benzene and Benzine
– Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Benzene, Benzine
What is Benzene
Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6. It has a flat hexagonal structure of six carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen atom. Hence, this molecule has good stability. This stability allows it to undergo unique reactions, enabling the creation of complex aromatic compounds. Instead of localized double bonds, it possesses a cloud of delocalized electrons circulating throughout the ring. This aromatic cloud creates a resonance effect meaning that the true structure is a hybrid of multiple resonance structures.
This unique arrangement of atoms in benzene makes it undergo substitution reactions. Here, a single hydrogen atom on the ring is replaced by another atom or group, leaving the aromatic core intact. Another factor affecting the reactivity of benzene is its delocalized cloud of electrons. Electrophilic aromatic substitution are available in benzene chemistry. In this process, an electron-deficient species attacks the ring, attracted by the electron-rich cloud. This reaction allows for the introduction of various functional groups onto the benzene ring. But benzene also can undergo reactions like converting into cyclohexane under strong conditions, where the aromatic ring is broken down.
What is Benzine
Benzine is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from the distillation of petroleum. This is a group of volatile and flammable liquids. The main components in benzine are aliphatic (with straight chains) molecules. One of the main groups of molecules in benzine is benzene.
Some components in the mixture, including benzene itself, can be harmful. Moreover, exposure to benzine chronically can lead to various health problems, including cancer.
Similarities Between Benzene and Benzine
- Both are colorless, volatile, and flammable liquids.
- Both are hydrocarbons.
Difference Between Benzene and Benzine
Definition
- Benzene is a single aromatic compound with a hexagonal ring structure and delocalized electrons. Benzine, on the other hand, is a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum distillation, containing various aliphatic and aromatic components, including benzene.
Content
- Benzene is a single molecule with a specific structure, while benzine is a mixture of various hydrocarbons with variable composition.
Aromaticity
- Benzene exhibits aromaticity due to its ring structure and delocalized electrons. Not all components in benzine exhibit aromaticity.
Nature
- Benzene undergoes unique substitution reactions due to aromaticity. Benzines’ chemistry is more complex due to a mix of components with different reactivities.
FAQ: Benzene and Benzine
1. Is benzene the same as benzine?
No, benzene and benzine are not the same. Benzene is a specific compound with the chemical formula C6H6, whereas benzine is a liquid mixture of various hydrocarbons obtained during the distillation of petroleum.
2. Why is benzene banned?
Benzene is banned because it is carcinogenic to humans. Chronic exposure to benzene may result in cancer in the blood (leukemia).
3. What are the uses of benzine?
Benzine is used in making plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber lubricants, dyes, resins, detergents, and drugs.
4. What is the structure of benzene?
Benzene is a hexagonal six-carbon ring with a hydrogen atom attached to each carbon. Three double bonds exist in between carbon atoms, alternatively.
5. Why is benzene added to gasoline?
Benzene is added to unleaded gasoline mainly for its octane-enhancing properties, which help improve the fuel’s performance and efficiency in combustion engines. Additionally, benzene acts as an anti-knock agent, reducing engine knocking or pinging noises that can occur during combustion.
Conclusion
Benzene is a single aromatic compound with a hexagonal ring structure and delocalized electrons, giving it unique stability and reactivity. It is known for its carcinogenic properties, leading to its restricted use. Benzine, on the other hand, is a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum distillation, containing various aliphatic and aromatic components, including benzene. Thus, this is the main difference between benzene and benzine.
Reference:
1. “Benzene.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. “Petroleum Benzine.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Benzene geometry” By NadirSH – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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