benzene ring science definition

A hexagonal arrangement of six carbon atoms, each atom bonded to its adjacent atoms by a single covalent bond, and by an unusual ring bond of electrons shared by all six carbon atoms. The benzene ring is a basic component of many organic compounds, especially the aromatic hydrocarbons. In benzene itself, each carbon atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom; in derivatives of benzene, one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by other atoms or groups of atoms.