$2 \text{ Benzene} \xrightarrow[{AlCl_3}]{{CH_2Cl_2}} \text{ Product}$

Which of the following is an aromatic compound?

Aromatic compounds burn with a sooty flame because

Given below are two statements:
Statement $I$: Nitration of benzene involves the following step:
$H-O^+(H)-NO_2 \rightleftharpoons H_2O + NO_2^+$
Statement $II$: Use of Lewis base promotes the electrophilic substitution of benzene.
In the light of the above statements,choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Which of the following compounds is/are not aromatic?

Benzene was discovered by.....