Which property is NOT characteristic of aromatic hydrocarbons?

Aromatic hydrocarbons are defined by certain distinctive features that contribute to their chemical behavior. One key property is their ring structure, which is essential for their classification as aromatic. These compounds typically feature a closed-loop arrangement of carbon atoms with alternating double bonds, which also allows for resonance stabilization.

Additionally, aromatic hydrocarbons are often compared to benzene, the simplest aromatic compound. This similarity in structure and stability is a defining characteristic of aromatic compounds. Common examples of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as toluene, further illustrate this classification, as they maintain the essential properties of aromaticity.

The statement regarding high reactivity, however, is not characteristic of aromatic hydrocarbons. In fact, these compounds are generally more stable and less reactive than many aliphatic hydrocarbons due to their delocalized electrons within the ring structure. This stability is a defining feature that differentiates aromatic hydrocarbons from other types of compounds, thus making the assertion that they have high reactivity inaccurate.