aromatic

hydrocarbons
GROUP 2
 introduction
Aromatic hydrocarbons are reactive organic compounds found in
the atmosphere. They contribute to about 10% of total global
anthropogenic nonmethane organic carbon emissions, with car
exhaust being the primary source. Biomass burning and minor
sources like soils and plants also emit aromatics. Aromatics play a
significant role in the formation of ground-level ozone and
particulate matter in urban areas, with an estimated contribution
of 30-40% to ozone production. The oxidation mechanisms of
aromatic hydrocarbons are not well-known, and they lead to the
formation of secondary organic aerosols, harmful to human
health and the environment. Benzene, a common aromatic
environmental contaminant, is known to be hematotoxic,
clastogenic, and leukemogenic in humans and animals.
Photooxidation of other aromatic hydrocarbons also produces
mutagenic products.
 PROPERTIES
“The first compound that was categorized as an aromatic
hydrocarbon was benzene”. It is also the most complex
aryl hydrocarbon. Each carbon atom belonging to the
benzene ring has two carbon-carbon sigma bonds, one
carbon-hydrogen sigma bond, and one double bond with a
neighbouring carbon in which the pi electron is
delocalized. This delocalization of pi electrons in the
benzene molecule is represented by a circle inside the
hexagon. The bond order of all carbon-carbon bonds in
this molecule is considered to be 1.5 and this equivalency
can be explained with the help of the resonance
structures of benzene.
SOME GENERAL PROPERTIES OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HAVE BEEN LISTED BELOW.
THESE COMPOUNDS EXHIBIT THE RATIO OF CARBON ATOMS TO
AROMATICITY (ADDITIONAL HYDROGEN ATOMS IS RELATIVELY
STABILITY GRANTED BY HIGH IN THESE TYPES OF
RESONANCE). MOLECULES.

WHEN BURNT, THE AROMATIC THESE COMPOUNDS GENERALLY

HYDROCARBONS DISPLAY A UNDERGO ELECTROPHILIC
STRONG AND SOOTY FLAME SUBSTITUTIONS AND
WHICH IS YELLOW. NUCLEOPHILIC AROMATIC
SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS.
AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
Formula Example
 PROS AND CONS
ADVANTAGES
One of the main uses for
aromatic hydrocarbons is as
a non-polar solvent for
other molecules. Thus,
aromatic hydrocarbons can
be used as additives in
gasoline, paints, lacquers,
and other solutions. Their
low reactivity also
contributes to their use as a
solvent
DISADVANTAGES
Long-term health effects of
exposure to PAHs may
include cataracts, kidney
and liver damage, and
jaundice. Repeated skin
contact to the PAH
naphthalene can result in
redness and inflammation
of the skin. Breathing or
swallowing large amounts
of naphthalene can cause
the breakdown of red blood
cells.
 AROMATIC CARBONS IN OUR
DAILY LIFE
LACQUERS PAINTS PESTICIDES
THANK YOU!
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