Which statement about benzyne ( $C X_{6} H X_{4}$ ), the intermediate formed from chlorobenzene and $NaNH X_{2}$ in liquid ammonia, is correct?

AIt is a carbocation with a positive charge on the ring
BIt is a neutral, highly strained species whose extra weak bond arises from sideways overlap of two $s p^{2}$ orbitals lying in the plane of the ring
CIt contains a normal linear $C \equiv C$ bond formed by two $s p$ carbons
DIt is a free radical with one unpaired electron

Answer: B

Benzyne is neutral and closed-shell. Two adjacent ring carbons stay

s p^{2}

and their in-plane orbitals overlap weakly to give the extra bond, which is orthogonal to the aromatic

π

system. This is why the ring is strained and very reactive. It is neither a cation nor a radical.