An arene, or aromatic compound, is a compound built around a benzene ring or a related aromatic ring system. Its defining feature is a special stability that arises from a closed loop of delocalised π electrons (pi electrons spread over the whole ring), which makes the ring resist the addition reactions typical of alkenes and instead favour substitution. Arenes are named using forms such as '-yl benzene'; benzene itself is the simplest example, contrasting with the reactive, non-aromatic alkene.

芳烃(芳香族化合物)是以苯环或相关芳香环体系为基础构建的化合物。其决定性特征是一种特殊的稳定性,来源于环上闭合的离域 π 电子(遍布整个环的派电子),这使芳环不易发生烯烃典型的加成反应,而倾向于发生取代反应。芳烃以“-yl benzene(苯基)”等形式命名;苯本身是最简单的例子,与活泼的非芳香烯烃形成对照。