Question

Anthrance has a resonance energy of `351 kJ mol^(-1)` and the resonance energy of benzence is 150.5 kJ mol^(-1)`. Which of the two is more easily oxidised or reduced ?

Answer 1

Anthrance has threee benzene rings.
`R.E//"rings" = 351//3 = 117 kJ mol^(-1)`
`R.E`. Of benzence `= 150.4`
`R.E`. Of anthrance per ring is less than that of benzene, so antracene is less stable (or more reactive) than benzene. More the `R.E`, more stable is the compound. Hence, anthracene is more easily oxidised and reduced.