In general terms, aroma denotes odor that distinguishes different compounds. However, aromatic chemistry defines the compounds in organic chemistry area with particular chemical, structural and electronic properties.
What are aromatic hydrocarbons ?
Aromatic hydrocarbons are unsaturated cyclic groups of hydrocarbons with one or more planar six-carbon rings having delocalized electrons. These hydrocarbons are mainly made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These circularly structured compounds contain sigma bonds with delocalized pi electrons which lead to increased stability. These are also called aryl hydrocarbons or arenes. These compounds have different unique characteristics that distinguish those from other organic compounds.
In aromatic hydrocarbons, the carbon atoms have double bonds in the alternating rings. The atoms can share their valance electrons in the delocalisation process. As a result, it creates more stable molecules and generates several properties that turn them important for humans. One of the most crucial properties of aromatic hydrocarbons is the capability to subsist in several resonance structures. The resonance structures arise when the bonds get arranged in multiple ways and direct the delocalization of valance electrons. Resonance helps in creating more stable molecules which are less reactive than molecules experiencing no resonance. This property is important for hydrocarbons as it allows them to interact with other molecules without changing their chemical composition.
Another important property is having a high carbon-to-hydrogen atom ratio. The valence electrons get delocalized across double bonds as a result the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon remains higher in comparison to the hydrogen atoms. The aromatic hydrocarbons are non-polar owing to their composition of hydrogen, aromatic structure, and carbon atoms. For this property, they don’t mix with water and can’t be used as solvents for other non-polar molecules.
The first recognized hydrocarbon is benzene. Pyrimidines, toluene, purines, etc are some examples of aromatic hydrocarbons. The aromatic hydrocarbons are divided broadly into two categories- benzenoids and non-benzenoids. The compounds consisting of at least one benzene ring are benzenoids, while the compounds without benzene rings are non-benzenoids. Major of the compounds is under benzenoids as most of those retain benzene rings even after undergoing several chemical reactions.
Applications of aromatic chemistry
The contribution of aromatic chemistry is pivotal which improves life quality in everyday life. Aromatic hydrocarbons are common in synthetic as well as biological processes. Its uses are completely dependent on the properties.
- The most important usage of aromatic hydrocarbons is as a non-polar solvent for other molecules. Aromatic hydrocarbons have multiple uses including as paints, gasoline, additives in lacquers and many other purposes. The low reactivity feature of the hydrocarbons also supports those to get used as solvents.
- Aromatics play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry. Some particular aromatics resins are used for drug purification. This aids in the extraction of the therapeutic components and the organic impurities. These technologies and resins have been used in antibiotics as well as in the development of therapies including AIDS, arthritis, and different forms of cancer.
- Aromatics are extensively used in the automotive industry. Different parts of vehicles are made from products that are derived from aromatics. The products derived from aromatics meet various demands of modern motorists who desire cars with high performance, improved safety, style, reliability, and competitive pricing. Moreover, it reduces the environmental impact of driving drastically.
- Aromatics are also extensively used in the sports equipment manufacturing industry. The aromatic-derived products are lightweight and high performing. These have replaced the traditionally-used leather and wood. From sports shoes and football to rackets; aromatic-derived products are used as the best alternatives for manufacturing these sports equipment.
- Aromatics are widely used in the building and construction industry. From insulation, window frames, and piping to interior designs, the products derived from aromatics have an extensive contribution to making our homes/offices more comfortable.
Apart from the above-mentioned applications, aromatic-derived products are used in several other industries.