Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
AROMATIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Aromatic chemistry is the chemistry of six-membered carbon rings typ-
ified by the parent one-ring compound.
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
B
ENZENE
Although the above structures satisfy the molecular formula, double bonds
do not in reality exist in aromatic compounds. Thus, aromatic rings are
usually depicted by a hexagon with a circle in it. It is understood that a
hydrogen is at each corner.
Benzene and related aromatic compounds were first isolated from the
gases given off during the heating of coal in the absence of air to produce
a form of carbon known as coke, used in the manufacture of steel. That
benzene had the molecular formula C
was determined in 1825, but it took
over a hundred years to prove its structure even though its correct structure
was suggested in 1865.
H
6
6
