Cyclic compound facts for kids
In chemistry, a cyclic compound is a molecule where some atoms are linked together forming a loop or ring. Most of the time, these molecules are organic. There are also many examples of inorganic molecule forming rings.
Cyclic compounds can be aromatic - in this case they are flat. Benzene is a simple aromatic cyclic compound. When they are not aromatic, rings tend not to be flat to avoid steric effects.
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Cycloheptane, a non-aromatic cyclic compound.
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Benzene, an aromatic cyclic compound.
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Cyclohexane drawn in the chair conformation
Cyclic compounds are very important. Many drugs are based on them, like aspirin. There are many reactions that can make or break cyclic compounds. One important class of these is pericyclic reactions.
Images for kids
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Chelating macrocyclic structures of interest in inorganic and supramolecular chemistry, an example array. A, the crown ether, 18-crown-6; B, the simple tetra-aza chelator, cyclam; C, an example porphyrin, the unsubstituted porphine; D, a mixed amine/imine, the Curtis macrocycle; E, the related enamine/imine Jäger macrocycle, and F, the tetracarboxylate-derivative DOTA macrocycle.
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Cycloheptane, a simple 7-membered carbocyclic compound, methylene hydrogens shown (non-aromatic).
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Benzene, a 6-membered carbocyclic compound. methine hydrogens shown, and 6 electrons shown as delocalized through drawing of circle (aromatic).
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Pentazole, a 5-membered inorganic cyclic compound (aromatic).
See also
In Spanish: Compuesto cíclico para niños
