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Aromatic

Last updated: November 7, 2018

What Does Aromatic Mean?

Aromatic refers to a type of organic compound that is characterized by enhanced stability of chemicals. This results from electron delocalization within a ring system that typically contains several conjugated binary bonds.

This term defines the way these conjugated rings demonstrate stabilization compared to what is expected in conjugation alone. The term was coined in 1885 by the scientist August Wilhelm von Hofmann.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Aromatic

Aryl or aromatic compounds consist of atoms that are covalently bound with distinct characteristics. The molecules of aromatic compounds usually show improved chemical stability similar to the molecules of non-aromatic compounds.

Aromatic compounds' molecules have the tendency to alter the conformational or electronic structure in various situations. This added stability can change the molecule chemistry. The most common aromatic compounds include toluene and benzene, which both have distinguishable pleasant smells. Due to this property, these compounds are termed "aromatic."

These compounds play a huge role in biochemistry. The major amino acids like tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine are considered aromatic. Chlorophyll also has an aromatic system.

Commercially, the main aromatic compounds utilized include toluene, benzene, para xylene and others. These are used to manufacture a wide range of essential chemicals such as nylon, polyester and phenol.

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