benzene ring

benzene ring   (click for larger image in new window) n.  A hexagonal ring arrangement found in benzene and other aromatic compounds, consisting of six carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds between them, and with each carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, or to other atoms or groups of atoms in derivatives of benzene.

Main Entry: benzene ring
Function: noun
: a plane symmetrical ring of six carbon atoms which is characteristic of benzene and related aromatic compounds and in which theelectrons forming three conjugated double bonds are distributed over the entire ring

benzene ring n.
The hexagonal ring structure in the benzene molecule and its substitutional derivatives, each vertex of which is occupied and distinguished by a carbon atom.