Which is an aromatic compound?

Options

A. Methane
B. Cyclobutane
C. Benzene
D. Methyl alcohol

Explanation

To determine which of the given compounds is an aromatic compound, we will analyze each option based on the criteria for aromaticity.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the definition of aromatic compounds**: Aromatic compounds are cyclic, planar molecules that follow Huckel's rule, which states that they must have (4n + 2) π electrons, where n is a non-negative integer. They also exhibit resonance.

2. **Evaluate the options**:
- **Methane (CH₄)**:
- Structure: Methane is a tetrahedral molecule with one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
- Type: It is an open-chain compound.
- Conclusion: Methane does not meet the criteria for aromaticity. **Not aromatic**.

- **Cyclobutane (C₄H₈)**:
- Structure: Cyclobutane is a cyclic compound with four carbon atoms arranged in a square-like structure.
- Type: It is a cyclic compound but lacks resonance due to the absence of π bonds.
- Conclusion: Cyclobutane does not meet the criteria for aromaticity. **Not aromatic**.

- **Benzene (C₆H₆)**:
- Structure: Benzene is a cyclic compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring with alternating double bonds.
- Type: It is cyclic, planar, and has resonance due to the delocalization of π electrons.
- Conclusion: Benzene meets all the criteria for aromaticity. **Aromatic compound**.

- **Methyl Alcohol (CH₃OH)**:
- Structure: Methyl alcohol (methanol) is an open-chain molecule with one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group (-OH).
- Type: It is an open-chain compound.
- Conclusion: Methyl alcohol does not meet the criteria for aromaticity. **Not aromatic**.

3. **Final Conclusion**: Among the given options, the only aromatic compound is **Benzene (C₆H₆)**.

### Answer:
The aromatic compound is **Benzene (C₆H₆)**.

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