3.3.10
Aromatic
Chemistry
Section 3.3.10 covers the bonding in benzene (3.3.10.1): the planar ring with a carbon–carbon bond length between a single and a double bond, the extra stability from the delocalisation of p electrons compared with cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene, the thermochemical evidence from enthalpies of hydrogenation, and why substitution is preferred to addition; and electrophilic substitution (3.3.10.2): monosubstitution of the ring, nitration with the nitronium ion and its importance for explosives and amines, and Friedel–Crafts acylation with aluminium chloride as the catalyst, with both mechanisms.
Revision Notes
5 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
Structure and Bonding in Benzene
The structure and bonding of benzene: the Kekulé and delocalised models, p-orbital overlap, the π system and how benzene is represented.
Start revising
Evidence for the Structure of Benzene
The evidence for the structure of benzene: hydrogenation enthalpies, delocalisation energy, bond lengths and resistance to addition.
Start revising
Electrophilic Substitution in Benzene
Electrophilic substitution in benzene: substitution versus addition, the general mechanism and the delocalised intermediate.
Start revising
Nitration of Benzene
The nitration of benzene: reagents and conditions, generation of NO₂⁺, the mechanism and the role of sulfuric acid.
Start revising
Friedel–Crafts Acylation
Friedel–Crafts acylation of benzene: AlCl₃ catalyst, the electrophile and the mechanism.
Start revisingSummary Map
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Summary maps
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Benzene Map
AQA A Level Chemistry · 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry
Every reaction on one A4 page: reagents, conditions and reaction type for each arrow, colour coded, with the key tests.
Aromatic Chemistry Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry
All of 3.3.10 on one A4 page: bonding, stability, substitution, nitration and its uses, and acylation.
© 2026 Online Learning System. For personal study: printing is allowed; editing, copying and redistribution are not.
Virtual Lessons
Recorded video lessons that teach the topic step by step.
The Virtual Lessons for 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry are being recorded.
MCQ Bank
Multiple-choice papers on this topic, marked the moment you submit.
The MCQ papers for 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry are being written.
SAQ Bank
Written, drawn and worked exam practice on this topic.
The exam practice papers for 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry are being written.
Revision Game
Match reagents to products, with your board's reagents and conditions.
The revision game for 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry is being built.
Study Cards
Pick a deck, then turn each card to check what you remember.
Specification
Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.
Self-assessment · 12 points
Sign in to rate how confident you feel about each point. Your ratings are saved to your account, follow you to any device, and appear beside your KASP analytics, kept apart from your marks.
3.3.10.1
3.3.10.2
Keep this note — free
Save your progress across every AQA topic. A free account remembers which topics you have covered, saves your question scores, and syncs across your phone and laptop.
- Track every topic you have finished
- Keep your practice-question scores
- No payment, no card, free forever
Already registered? Log in