key term - Degenerate

Definition

In the context of benzene and its aromaticity, degenerate refers to energy levels of molecular orbitals that are equal. This implies that multiple orbitals have the same energy, contributing to the stability and unique chemical behavior of benzene.

Related terms

Molecular Orbital Theory:

A theory that describes electrons in molecules by considering them as spread over molecular orbitals that span the entire molecule.

Aromaticity:

A property of cyclic (ring-shaped), planar (flat) structures with a delocalized pi electron system that leads to unusual stability.

Delocalization:

The spreading out of electrons across several atoms in a molecule, which contributes to stability and lowers energy