Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Isomers

GOB Chemistry

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Isomers

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2:28 minutes

Problem 81c

Textbook Question

Are the following compounds structural isomers, cis–trans isomers, or enantiomers?
(c)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the definitions of the terms involved. Structural isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms. Cis–trans isomers (a type of stereoisomer) occur when there is restricted rotation (e.g., around a double bond or in a ring structure) and the groups attached to the atoms differ in spatial arrangement. Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, typically involving a chiral center.

Step 2: Examine the molecular formula of the two compounds in the images. Verify if they have the same molecular formula. If they do not, they are not isomers of any kind.

Step 3: Analyze the connectivity of the atoms in the two compounds. If the connectivity differs, the compounds are structural isomers. If the connectivity is the same, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Check for restricted rotation (e.g., double bonds or ring structures) and the spatial arrangement of groups. If the compounds differ in spatial arrangement around a double bond or ring, they are cis–trans isomers. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Determine if the compounds are non-superimposable mirror images of each other by identifying chiral centers (atoms bonded to four different groups). If they are mirror images and non-superimposable, they are enantiomers.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms within the molecule. This can include variations in the connectivity of the atoms, leading to different functional groups or chain structures. Understanding structural isomers is crucial for identifying how the same set of atoms can form distinct compounds with unique properties.

Cis-Trans Isomers

Cis-trans isomers, also known as geometric isomers, occur due to the restricted rotation around a double bond or within a ring structure. In cis isomers, similar groups are on the same side, while in trans isomers, they are on opposite sides. This concept is important for understanding how spatial arrangement affects the physical and chemical properties of compounds.

Enantiomers

Enantiomers are a type of stereoisomer that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, typically involving chiral centers in the molecule. They have identical physical properties except for their interaction with polarized light and reactions in chiral environments. Recognizing enantiomers is essential in fields like pharmaceuticals, where the activity of a drug can differ significantly between enantiomers.

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For each of the following compounds, indicate whether or not it can exist as cis–trans stereoisomers. If it can exist as the two isomers, draw both as a condensed structure.

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For each of the following compounds, indicate whether or not it can exist as cis–trans stereoisomers. If it can exist as the two isomers, draw both as a condensed structure.

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Determine whether each of the following is the cis or the trans stereoisomer:

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Determine whether each of the following is the cis or the trans stereoisomer:

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Textbook Question

For each pair of molecules, identify the pair as:

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Textbook Question

The structure of vitamin A is shown in Problem 4.54. Is the double bond nearest the ring on the carbon chain cis or trans?

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The vision process in animals involves the change of one double bond in retinal from its cis form to its trans form. The structures of cis and trans retinal are shown below. Label which is cis and which is trans.

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Multiple Choice

Draw a constitutional isomer of butane.

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