Home > Organic Chemistry > Quick Introduction of Structures

Why do aromatic compounds smell?

Answer 1

For the same reason that non-aromatic compounds smell.....

Under ambient conditions, they have a vapour pressure, which indicates that there are enough molecules in the vapour phase for your olfactory system to detect them.

While it's true that some aromatic compounds have smells, there are plenty of non-aromatic compounds that can also be detected by smell. Keep in mind that the term "aromatic" was originally used to describe a perceived odour of the compounds in question, but for many years it has been associated with increased stability caused by specific types of electron delocalisation.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Elias Aguila

Aromatic compounds contain conjugated pi electron systems that can interact with olfactory receptors in the nose, triggering a sensation of smell.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.