Can Benzene and its Derivatives Conduct Electricity?

[L Tetris Block]

Hello, I have a few questions that have been on my mind. I am wondering, can benzene conduct electricity because of the delocalized electrons? I am certain that the answer is yes but my knowledge of chemistry at the moment is elementary.

If that answer is yes, can a benzene-like ring of carbon but with no hydrogen and either all double bounds or alternating single and triple bounds between the carbons be made and still conduct electricity?

Similar to the above, could a chain of carbon with an all double or alternating single and triple bounds conduct electricity?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

 

[Mattara]

can benzene conduct electricity because of the delocalized electrons?

No, they cannot. Benzene is different from a conducting metal in the fact that electrons are not delecolized between the molecules. Theoretically speaking, you might get a "current" going inside an individual molecule, but you wouldn't be able to use it in any way.

As a result, 2.) and 3.) would also be impossible.

 

[dav2008]

You need a chain of sp² carbons making a conjugated pi system.

I don't know anything beyond that, but maybe someone else could elaborate as to the uses and efficiency of such a system.

 

[Bystander]

(snip)... a benzene-like ring of carbon but with no hydrogen and either all double bounds or alternating single and triple bounds between the carbons be made and still conduct electricity?

Yes. It's called "graphite" (chicken wire).

Similar to the above, could a chain of carbon with an all double or alternating single and triple bounds conduct electricity?
(snip)

See "polyacetylene."

 

[dav2008]

Polyacetylene has alternating single and double bonds, hence the chain of sp² carbons I referred to.

 

[L Tetris Block]

Thanks for the help everyone, especially Bystander for providing the information.