9.1. (Very) Brief Discussion on the Uses of Molecular Orbital Theory with Aromaticity

It is possible to use molecular orbital theory and energy diagrams to describe the concepts in this chapter much more precisely and accurately (Figure 9.1). These are also required to adequately describe why some of these properties exist or function as they do.

Figure 9.1 – Molecular Orbitals and Energy Diagram for Benzene.

However, this requires significantly more discussion of atomic orbitals, the construction of molecular orbitals, and molecular orbital theory than is practical for an introductory level. As a result, these discussions are best left for more advanced texts for in-depth analysis; this chapter will primarily focus on “what” conjugation and aromaticity are rather than “why/how” conjugation and aromaticity work.