(1) Benzene is completely insoluble in water, it is a volatile liquid at room
temperature, and it is fairly unreactive. The properties of other aromatics are reflective
of benzene but vary according to the substituents added to the ring in place of one of
(2) The term "aromatic" has its origin in the fact that certain aromatic
substances (for example: oil of bitter almonds, vanilla, and oil of wintergreen) contain
the benzene ring. The possession of an odor is not characteristic, however, of all
aromatic substances.
(3) Aromatic hydrocarbons are the starting point for many medicinally
important compounds, as the following examples indicate.
Morphine
Narcotic AnalgesicFor
relief of severe pain.
Non-Narcotic Analgesic
Aspirin
For relief of moderate pain.
Epinephrine
Adrenergic DrugUsed to
treat shock.
StimulantFor diet control,
Dextroamphetamine
narcolepsy, and
hyperkinesis.
3-7
MD0803