We present a theoretical investigation on electron scattering by benzene (C 6 H 6 ) in the intermediate-energy range. Calculated elastic differential, integral, and momentum-transfer as well as total (elastic+inelastic) and total absorption cross sections are reported for impact energies ranging from 20 to 500eV. A complex optical potential is used to represent the electron–molecule interaction dynamics. A theoretical method based on the single-center-expansion close-coupling framework and corrected by the Padé approximant [F.A. Gianturco, R.R. Lucchese, N. Sanna, J. Chem. Phys. 102 (1995) 5743] is used to solve the scattering equations. The comparison of our calculated results with the experimental and theoretical data available in the literature is encouraging.