Aromatic hydrocarbons
Definition
Aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of hydrocarbons that contain one or more benzene rings in their molecular structure. They are known for their stability and unique chemical properties due to resonance.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, have delocalized electrons in a conjugated pi system within the benzene ring.
- The simplest aromatic hydrocarbon is benzene (C6H6).
- Aromaticity follows Hückel's rule, which states that a molecule is aromatic if it has $(4n + 2)\pi$ electrons (where n is a non-negative integer).
- Common reactions involving aromatic hydrocarbons include electrophilic aromatic substitution (e.g., nitration, halogenation).
- Aromatic hydrocarbons are often found in products like dyes, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Review Questions
- What structural feature characterizes aromatic hydrocarbons?
- Explain Hückel's rule and its significance in determining aromaticity.
- List at least two common reactions involving aromatic hydrocarbons.
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Related terms
Benzene: Benzene (C6H6) is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon with a ring structure of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms, exhibiting resonance.
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: A type of organic reaction where an atom on an aromatic ring is replaced by an electrophile. Examples include nitration and halogenation.
Hückel's Rule: \text{A rule that determines if a planar ring molecule will exhibit aromaticity based on having }(4n + 2)\pi \text{ electrons}.
