Aromaticity - 1 - Naming

Introduction to Aromaticity and Aromatic Compounds.

Aromatic comes from the 19th century word for fragrance.  Since then, various classes of aromatic compounds have been discovered. Benzene is the most common aromatic compound.

Naming of Aromatic Compounds:

Scenario One:  Parent name "benzene" is used when short alkyl chains and other substituents are on the benzene ring.


Scenario Two:  "Phenyl" is used when benzene is a substituent on a carbon with longer chains (more than 6 carbons).

Scenario Three:  "Benzyl" is used when benzene and CH₂ is considered a substituent on a carbon with longer chains (more than 6 carbons).