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Which one of the following statements is not true for a compound to be considered as aromatic?

1) It must have a planar structure
2) It must have a cyclic structure
3) It must have a conjugated pi system
4) It must have an odd number of pi electrons

User Brothir
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Aromatic compounds must have a planar structure, a cyclic structure, and a conjugated pi system. The statement that an aromatic compound must have an odd number of pi electrons is not true. Option 4 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aromatic compounds are characterized by certain features. Let's evaluate each statement:

It must have a planar structure: This statement is true because aromatic compounds are cyclic and planar, which allows for the delocalization of pi electrons.

It must have a cyclic structure: This statement is true as aromatic compounds have a closed ring structure.

It must have a conjugated pi system: This statement is true because aromatic compounds have a continuous system of alternating single and double bonds (pi bonds).

It must have an odd number of pi electrons: This statement is not true. Aromatic compounds can have both odd and even numbers of pi electrons, as long as they follow the rule of 4n+2, where n is a whole number.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

The compound does not need to have an odd number of pi electrons to be considered aromatic.

User RTA
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