Aromatic

Definition

Aromatic compounds are a class of cyclic molecules that exhibit significant stability due to the delocalization of pi electrons across the ring structure. These compounds follow Huckel's rule, possessing 4n+2 pi electrons, which contributes to their unique chemical properties.

Related terms

Huckel's rule: A rule stating that for a molecule to be aromatic, it must have a planar ring of continuously overlapping p orbitals containing 4n+2 pi electrons, where n is a non-negative integer.

Delocalization: The spreading out of electrons across two or more atoms in a molecule, contributing to stability and lower energy states in aromatic compounds.

Pi bond: A type of covalent bond formed from the side-to-side overlap of two p orbitals, allowing for the electron delocalization characteristic of aromatic compounds