Question

Consider this hydrocarbon. A hexagon. Is this an aromatic hydrocarbon? Why or why not? Yes, because the carbon chain is made up of single bonds. Yes, because the carbon chain is ring shaped. No, because the carbon chain is composed of only a single ring. No, because the carbon chain has no double bonds.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. No, because the carbon chain is composed of only a single ring.

Polycyclicity, having more than a single ring, is a property of only aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, if the hydrocarbon is not polycyclic, it is non-aromatic

Explanation:

Cyclic Hydrocarbons

These are organic compounds which are cyclic in structure. The compound cyclohexane involves a ring of six carbon atoms, each of which is also bonded to two hydrogen atoms

Aromatic hydrocarbons are cyclic ring organic compound which are based on the benzene ring structure.

A. If the hexagon contains single bonds, it is non-aromatic.

B. No. Having a ring shape does not on its own determine the aromaticity of a hydrocarbon.

C. Polycyclicity, having more than a single ring, is a property of only aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, if the hydrocarbon is not polycyclic, it is non-aromatic

D. Having double bonds within a ring is not a criteria for being aromatic. Both aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons have double bonds within their rings. However, aromatic hydrocarbons have alternate double and single bonds within their 6-carbon ring structure.

Note: Since the structure of the required hydrocarbon is not shown, the explanation contains attachments of hexagonal structures of three hydrocarbons; one non-aromatic and the other two are aromatic. Cyclohexane is non-aromatic while Benzene and the polycyclic compounds are aromatic.