AROMATIC

HYDROCARBONS
OBJECTIVES
Analyze the concept of aromaticity and the structure of
the benzene ring, drawing insights from class
discussion.

Utilize tools like cellphones, computers, and internets to

go on a scavenger hunt to explore aromatic
hydrocarbons.

Recognize the prevalence of aromatic carbons in

everyday life by identifying and explaining the
presence of aromatic compounds in common products.
GROUP 1
Find a website that explains
the historical origin of the
term "aromatic." Briefly
summarize what you
learned.
GROUP 3
Look for online resources
that mention some
properties of aromatic
hydrocarbons. List two
properties you find
interesting.
GROUP 2
Search for images of aromatic
hydrocarbon molecules.
Describe the general shape you
observe.
GROUP 4
Find and list 3 common
household products that
contain aromatic
hydrocarbons.
AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

Unsaturated hydrocarbons which have one or more

planar six-carbon rings called benzene rings, to which
hydrogen atoms are attached
The delocalized electrons create a condition called
aromaticity, which gives these molecules unusual
stability. This stability makes them less reactive than
other hydrocarbons with similar structures.
 CRITERIA FOR
AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
Planar Ring - cyclic structure with all the atoms in the
ring lie in the same flat plane.

Huckle’s Rule - molecule needs to have a specific

number of pi (π) electrons for aromaticity. This number
is given by the formula 4n + 2

Delocalized electrons - electrons must be shared.

Alternating between single and double bonds.
 CATEGORIZING
BASED ON THE NUMBER OF BENZENE RINGS

Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - simplest form,

containing only one benzene ring in the molecule.
Examples include benzene (C6H6), toluene (CH3C6H5),
and xylene (C6H4(CH3)2).
 CATEGORIZING
BASED ON THE NUMBER OF BENZENE RINGS
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - these have
multiple benzene rings fused together. Examples
include naphthalene (two fused benzene rings),
phenanthrene (three fused rings), and pyrene (four
fused rings).
 CATEGORIZING
BASED ON PRESENCE OF OTHER ELEMENTS

Arenes (Aromatic Hydrocarbons) - these contain only

carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are the "pure" form
of aromatic hydrocarbons and strictly follow Hückel's
rule for aromaticity (4n + 2 π electrons).
 CATEGORIZING
BASED ON PRESENCE OF OTHER ELEMENTS

Heteroaromatic Compounds - these also have the

characteristic ring structure and delocalized electrons,
but they contain at least one atom other than carbon in
the ring besides hydrogen.
 USES

The green pigment found in plants, more commonly known as

chlorophyll, consists of aromatic hydrocarbons and is very
important in the process of food production in plants.

The nucleic acids and amino acids in the human body also consist
of these aromatic hydrocarbons.

Methylbenzene which is an aromatic hydrocarbon is used as a

solvent in model glues

Naphthalene is an important item in the production of mothballs

 USES

For the synthesis of drugs, dyes, and explosives, an aryl

hydrocarbon known as Phenanthrene is used

Trinitrotoluene or TNT is a very important aromatic hydrocarbon

which is widely used for explosive purposes.

Plastic industry and petrochemical industries make use of

aromatic hydrocarbons extensively.
 AROMATIC
BINGO!
The teacher will read definitions of terms or phrases from what was
discussed. Mark an X on the term or phrase that the teacher is
referring to.

The first group to complete a row, column, or diagonal line yells

"Bingo!"

We can keep playing until more groups get Bingo or until most
terms have been called.
 ASSIGNMENTS
Discuss the importance of aromatic
hydrocarbons in modern society.
How do these compounds contribute to various
fields like medicine, technology,
or materials science?