The Equilibrium Structure of Benzene

The re structure of benzene is revised on the basis of high-level quantum chemical calculations at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ level as well a reanalysis of the experimental rotational constants using computed vibrational corrections. A least-squares fit to empirically determined Be constants yields re(CC) = 1.3914 ± 0.0010 A and re(CH) = 1.0802 ± 0.0020 A; the latter distance is significantly shorter than the best previous estimate based on experimental data. Comparison of computed rg and rz distances with experiment as well as considerations of bond lengthening due to anharmonicity are consistent with the estimated re distance, indicating that the recommended structural parameters are very accurate.