Early Days of Organic Chemistry Aromatic Compounds Formerly used to describe fragrant substances such as benzaldehyde (from cherries,peaches,and almonds), toluene (from Tolu balsam),and benzene (from coal distillate) CH3 Benzene Benzaldehyde Toluene Now used to refer to the class of compounds that contain six-membered benzene-like rings with three double bondsAromatic Compounds ▪ Formerly used to describe fragrant substances such as benzaldehyde (from cherries, peaches, and almonds), toluene (from Tolu balsam), and benzene (from coal distillate) ▪ Now used to refer to the class of compounds that contain six-membered benzene-like rings with three double bonds Early Days of Organic Chemistry