The number of Kekulé structures for primitive coronoids (cycloarenes)

Abstract The number of Kekule structures for primitive coronoids is studied. The systems have obvious counterparts within a class of hydrocarbons known as cycloarenes. Complete solutions are given for centrosymmetrical primitive coronoids and those with trigonal or hexagonal symmetries. The technique is based on considerations of single unbranded chains associated with the coronoids. A lemma (nor proved here) concerning unbranched chains in general plays an important role.