Aromatic compounds are simply a different structure of Carbon compounds. They contain a benzene ring and as their name suggests have strong distinctive scents.
The benzene ring has an unusual structure, represented by the following diagram:
Each point on the hexagonal structure represents a carbon atom with each branch attached to a hydrogen atom.
The circle in the centre represents six electrons which, unusually, are not in fixed bonds, instead being equally shared between the 6 carbon atoms.
Benzene is a highly stable compound which under goes substitution reactions rather than addition reactions. i.e. The hydrogen atoms are exchanged for other elements or compounds. Benzene is used in the production of dyes, insecticides and detergents.
Two other examples of aromatics are:
MethylBenzene:
Phenylethene or "Styrene" is the monomer for the polymer polystyrene, which is used for packaging and insulation.
