Aromatic Chemistry: Reactions and Concepts

This lecture introduces third-year bachelor students to organic chemistry, focusing on aromatic compounds. The instructor discusses the history of the course, the progression of understanding organic chemistry, and the importance of predicting reactions. The lecture covers aromaticity, molecular orbitals, electrophilic aromatic substitution, and the influence of substituents on reaction rates. Students learn about the Polani-Hamon postulates, the impact of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups, and the factors influencing reaction selectivity. The instructor emphasizes the significance of understanding molecular orbitals and reaction mechanisms to predict reactivity. Practical examples and chemical structures are used to illustrate concepts, such as the formation of polycyclic aromatic compounds and the toxicity of benzene and toluene.