Final answer:
Aromatic compounds contain a benzene ring and have distinct physical and chemical properties. Non-aromatic compounds do not contain a benzene ring and do not exhibit the special properties of aromatic compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aromatic compounds are organic molecules that contain a benzene ring, which is a special six-membered ring with special energetic properties. These compounds have a unique set of physical and chemical properties that are different from alkanes. Originally, the term aromatic was used to describe compounds that were particularly fragrant, but it now refers to the presence of a benzene ring.
On the other hand, non-aromatic compounds are those that do not contain a benzene ring and do not exhibit the special properties associated with aromatic compounds. They can be cyclic or acyclic, but they lack the delocalized π electrons that give aromatic compounds their stability and reactivity.