C6H6 ignition

Benzene s molecular formula is C6H6, but it does not behave like hexane, hexene, or any of their isomers. One would expect it to be similar to these other six-carbon hydrocarbons in its properties. Table 4 provides a comparison between benzene, hexane and 1-hexene. The table shows that there are major differences between benzene and the straight-chain hydrocarbons of die same carbon content. Hexene s ignition temperature is very near to hexane s. The flash point difference is not great, however, there are significant differences in melting points. The explanation for these differences is structure which in the case of benzene is a cyclical form with alternating double bonds. 

Benzene (C6H6, boiling point 80°C, density 0.8789, flash point -11°C, ignition temperature 538°C), is a volatile, colorless, and flammable liquid aromatic hydrocarbon possessing a distinct, characteristic odor. Benzene is practically insoluble in water (0.07 part in 100 parts at 22°C) and fully miscible with alcohol, ether, and numerous organic liquids. 

Soda lime Benzoic acid and benzoates, when heated in an ignition tube with excess soda lime, are decomposed into benzene, C6H6, which bums with a smoky flame, and carbon dioxide, the latter combining with the alkali present. 

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