The decreasing order of aromaticity of the following is:

• I. Benzene
• II. Naphthalene
• III. Anthracene

A. (I) > (II) > (III)

B. (III) > (II) > (I)

C. (II) > (I) > (III)

D. (II) > (III) > (I)

The concept of aromaticity refers to the stability and reactivity of certain cyclic compounds due to their delocalized π-electrons. In the case of benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene, their aromaticity decreases in the following order:

Aromatic Compounds Overview

• Benzene: The simplest aromatic compound, highly stable due to its complete delocalization of six π-electrons.
• Naphthalene: Consists of two fused benzene rings, maintaining significant aromatic character but slightly less stable than benzene.
• Anthracene: Composed of three fused benzene rings, it has the least aromatic stability among the three due to increased electron repulsion and less effective delocalization.

Order of Aromaticity

Based on the stability and structure of these compounds, the correct decreasing order of aromaticity is:

Answer: A. (I) > (II) > (III)

This means benzene is the most aromatic, followed by naphthalene, and lastly anthracene.