Organic molecules are molecules made up of carbons. They are the most abundant molecules in living beings on this planet. Organic chemists divide all organic compounds into two groups as aromatic compounds and aliphatic compounds. This separation depends on the arrangement of the carbon atoms in the molecule. In organic chemistry, there are different types of compounds, some are classified according to their structure and properties. In this article, learn the key differences between these two types of compounds.
Difference Between Aromatic Compounds And Aliphatic Compounds
The main difference between aromatic compounds and aliphatic compounds lies in their structural features and chemical behavior. Aromatic compounds have a specific benzene ring structure, exhibit aromaticity, and are relatively stable and unreactive, while aliphatic compounds have open-chain or branched structures, lack the benzene ring, and are generally more reactive.
What are Aromatic Compounds?
Aromatic compounds are those that contain aromatic rings, also known as benzene rings. These rings are made up of six carbon atoms joined alternately by single bonds (CC) and double bonds (C=C), and have great stability.
3 Examples of aromatic compounds:
- Benzene: is the simplest aromatic compound, and is formed by a benzene ring. Its chemical formula is C6H6.
- Toluene: is an aromatic compound containing a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the benzene ring. Its chemical formula is C7H8.
- Phenol: is an aromatic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the benzene ring. Its chemical formula is C6H6O.
What are aliphatic compounds?
Aliphatic compounds are those that do not contain aromatic rings, but are made up of chains of carbon atoms linked together by single bonds (CC) and double bonds (C=C). Furthermore, these compounds can be linear or branched.
3 Examples of aliphatic compounds:
- Alkanes: are compounds formed only by single bonds between carbon atoms, such as methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6) and propane (C3H8).
- Alkenes: are compounds that contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms, such as ethylene (C2H4) and propene (C3H6).
- Alkynes: are compounds that contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms, such as acetylene (C2H2) and tip (C3H4).
Aromatic Compounds Vs Aliphatic Compounds In Table – Differences
| aromatic compounds | Aliphatic compounds | |
| Benzene ring | specific benzene ring structure. | Lack the benzene ring. |
| Example | Bencene, toluene, naphthalene xylene, aniline. | alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and their derivatives. |
| Saturated or unsaturated | Always unsaturated. | Aliphatic compounds can be saturated or unsaturated. |
A List of Key Differences Between Aromatic And Aliphatic Compounds:
Although aromatic and aliphatic compounds share some characteristics, such as being made up of carbon atoms, they also present important differences, such as:
- Aliphatic compounds do not have aromatic rings, while aromatic compounds do.
- Aromatic compounds are more stable than aliphatic compounds.
- Aromatic compounds have higher electrical conductivity than aliphatic compounds.
- Aliphatic compounds can have a wide variety of structures in the form of linear or branched chains, while aromatic compounds have a fixed ring structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aliphatic compounds and aromatic compounds are two types of compounds with specific characteristics. Although both are important in organic chemistry, they present differences in their structure, stability, electrical conductivity, among other aspects.
Read Also More Important Topics Of Chemistry:
- What’s The Difference Between Acid And Alkaline?
- Difference between Organic and inorganic compounds
- What are some examples of Chemical compounds?
- Properties of Metals and Non-metals
- Differences between Conductive and Insulating Materials
- Difference between the Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixture
- Difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond
