Which of the following does not characterize aromatic compounds?

• A. exhibit resonance
• B. under go addition reactions
• C. under go substitution reactions
• D. if the benzene ring is treated as a substituent it is named as a phenyl group
• E. under go substitution and addition reactions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding what aromatic compounds are. Aromatic compounds are a class of compounds characterized by having a stable ring structure with delocalized electrons, typically exemplified by benzene.
2. Step 2: Recognize the key properties of aromatic compounds. They exhibit resonance, which means the electrons are delocalized over the ring structure, providing stability.
3. Step 3: Aromatic compounds typically undergo substitution reactions rather than addition reactions. This is because addition reactions would disrupt the stable aromatic ring structure.
4. Step 4: When a benzene ring is treated as a substituent, it is named as a phenyl group. This is a common naming convention in organic chemistry.
5. Step 5: Review the options given in the problem. The characteristic that does not align with aromatic compounds is undergoing addition reactions, as this would disrupt the aromatic stability.