Aromatic+Hydrocarbons

Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes and abbreviated AH, are organic compounds in which a set of six carbon atoms are connected in a ring alternating between single and double bonds (i.e. a benzene ring). As the name suggests, these compounds all have odors, and most are sweet-smelling. Benzene, C6H6, is the simplest arene, but some can have more than one ring (called polycyclic). The name was given before scientists knew the molecular properties that caused aromaticity, and this has resulted in some compounds that are scented incorrectly grouped with arenes because they don't have the chemical structure. These are called heteroarenes and have at least one of the carbons in the ring replaced by a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom.

Benzene, C6H6, is a sweet-smelling, colorless, and highly flammable liquid used as an industrial solvent to produce pharmaceuticals, plastic, rubber, and dye.


Phenol, or carbolic acid, C6H5-OH, is a toxic, colorless crystal with a sweet tarry smell used as an antiseptic and an exfoliant. Toluene, C6H5-CH3, is a clear liquid similar in smell to benzene commonly used as a solvent to dissolve such things as paint, rubber, chemical reactants, and adhesives and also as an inhalant.

Salicylic acid, C6H4-OH-COOH, is a colorless crystal used as a plant hormone and treatment for acne and other skin afflictions.

Naphthalene, C10H8, a polycyclic arene, is a white crystal used as the primary component in moth balls.

Pyridine, C5H5N, a heteroarene, is a putrid smelling liquid that is an important industrial solvent.

All information and pictures were taken from Wikipedia.org from the following articles: "Aromatic Hydrocarbons," "Benzene," "Phenol," "Toluene," "Salicylic Acid," "Naphthalene," and "Pyridine."