Aromatic vs. Aliphatic Compounds: all organic compounds are made up of hydrogen and carbon. These organic compounds are divided into further groups: aromatic and aliphatic compounds. Both compounds have hydrogen and carbon atoms bonded but in different ways.
Let’s take a closer look at Aromatic vs. Aliphatic Compounds
| Consistence | Consist of carbon and hydrogen |
| Benzene Ring | The benzene ring is only present in aromatic compounds |
| Odor | Aromatic compounds have a sweet smell, while aliphatic are odorless |
| Types | The aromatic compound can only be cyclic, while the aliphatic can be cyclic or linear. |
Table of Contents
What Are Aromatic Compounds?
These are the types of organic compounds that have a benzene ring. This benzene ring consists of six carbon atoms attached to each other by alternating double bonds and forming a cyclic structure. Aromatic compounds have different chemical behavior as compared to other compounds due to their conjugation process. Benzene, aniline, and toluene are some examples of aromatic compounds.
What Are Aliphatic Compounds?
These types of organic compounds do not have a benzene ring. These organic compounds are also known as non-aromatic compounds. Aliphatic compounds are further divided into cyclic, branched, linear, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Alkanes, alkynes, and alkenes are some examples of aliphatic compounds.
5 Key Differences Between Aromatic and Aliphatic Compounds
| Components | Aromatic Compounds | Aliphatic Compounds |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The organic compounds with a benzene ring | The organic compound without a benzene ring |
| Reactions | These compounds only react under specific conditions | These compounds can react easily without any condition |
| Conjugation | These are conjugated because of the alternating double bond | There is not any conjugation occurs in aliphatic compounds |
| Electron delocalization | These compounds can be observed as electron delocalized cloud | There is not any electron delocalization in aliphatic compounds |
| Flame test | When aromatic compounds are burnt, a sooty flame is produced | No sooty flame is produced during the burning of aliphatic compounds |
Aromatic vs. Aliphatic Similarities
- Both aliphatic and aromatic are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
- Like aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds can also contain other atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, etc.
Aromatic And Aliphatic Hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbons are compounds that are made by the bonding of carbon and hydrogen atoms through a covalent bond. The arrangement of bonds divided these compounds into two groups, aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. And if we talk about aliphatic vs. aromatic hydrocarbons both are different from each other. Aliphatic hydrocarbons have carbon and hydrogen atoms in non-aromatic ring structures, while aromatic hydrocarbons have them in a ring structure.
Aromatic And Aliphatic Examples
Aromatic Compounds Examples
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Aniline
- Naphthalene
- Xylene
Aliphatic Compounds Examples
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alkynes
Aromatic vs. Aliphatic Compounds Pros and Cons
Aromatic compounds Pros and Cons
Pros of Aromatic Compounds
- The aromatic ring with aromatic compounds are very stable and does not break easily.
- Most of the products we use daily are made up of aromatics like medicines, transport, fashion, and sports.
Cons of Aromatic Compounds
- Aromatic compounds have a strong smell, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
- Toluene and benzene, two aromatic compounds, are abused due to their toxicity and other complications.
Aliphatic Compounds Pros and Cons
Pros of Aliphatic Compounds
- Most aliphatic compounds are used as fuel or natural gas, and some are used in welding as well due to their flammable property.
- These are used as diluents in many products like fuels, pesticides, chemicals, and household cosmetics.
Cons of Aliphatic Compounds
- Most aliphatic compounds are highly flammable and can result in a dangerous fire in case of carelessness.
- Indigestion of aliphatic compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other abdominal issues.
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
Conclusion
Aromatic or aliphatic compounds are both made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds are used in our daily life as well. But if we talk about aromatic vs. aliphatic compounds difference, these are different in many ways; the main difference between aliphatic and aromatic compounds is that aliphatic compounds don’t have a benzene ring and react more easily, while aromatic compounds have a benzene ring which makes them stable and less reactive.
