Benzene

Benzene is a foundational organic chemical compound with the formula C₆H₆. Its molecule is a planar ring of six carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen atom. Classified as an aromatic hydrocarbon, it is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet smell, which contributes to the aroma of gasoline. Benzene is a natural component of crude oil, and is also released during natural events like volcanoes and forest fires. Industrially, it is a crucial precursor in the manufacturing of a vast array of chemicals, including plastics like polystyrene, resins, nylon, synthetic fibers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Due to its toxicity and classification as a known human carcinogen, its use in consumer products is limited.

Explore searchable catalogue of hundreds of molecules, including details on how models were generated.

Notes

• If you happen to break something, use superglue to fix it. It will make the broken part even stronger.
• I decided to go with the ball-and-stick type, as it is easiest to color, is rigid, and looks awesome.
• The model represents the major resonance contributor.
• I oriented the model for optimal strength/waste/time compromise, but if you decide to reorient it, try to avoid placing bonds along the Z-axis, as they will be very easy to break.
• Supports removable without too much worry of damaging model if you are careful with scalpel and do of paper-sanding afterwards.
• You can use PETG as support material (don't forget to set the heatbed to 70 °C!) and PLA for the model itself (the support then come off much easier). For extra swag, use PLA support filament or PVA as supports.
• Recommended colorization is based on the Corey–Pauling–Koltun (CPK) palette (Figure 1). To quickly change colors, use the settings depicted in Figure 2.
  Alternatively, if you want to save filament and time, print the model in full-white and paint it with a permanent marker.

Figure 1. Recommended palette based on CPK coloring.

Figure 2. Setting to quickly color atoms with one click.

Figure 3. Filament flushing page.

Happy printing!