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

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 81

Textbook Question

Which of the following compounds are capable of cis–trans isomerism?
a.
b.
c.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of cis–trans isomerism. Cis–trans isomerism occurs in compounds with restricted rotation, typically due to a double bond or a ring structure. For a compound to exhibit cis–trans isomerism, it must have two different groups attached to each carbon of the double bond or to the ring system.

Step 2: Analyze compound (a). Check if the compound has a double bond or a ring structure. Then, verify if each carbon in the double bond or ring has two different groups attached. If both conditions are met, the compound can exhibit cis–trans isomerism.

Step 3: Analyze compound (b). Repeat the same process as in Step 2. Look for a double bond or ring structure and confirm if the groups attached to the relevant carbons are different.

Step 4: Analyze compound (c). Again, check for the presence of a double bond or ring structure and ensure that each carbon involved has two different groups attached.

Step 5: Summarize your findings. Based on the analysis of each compound, determine which ones meet the criteria for cis–trans isomerism and explain why they do or do not exhibit this type of isomerism.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Cis-Trans Isomerism

Cis-trans isomerism, also known as geometric isomerism, occurs in compounds with restricted rotation around a bond, typically a double bond. In this type of isomerism, the spatial arrangement of groups attached to the carbon atoms can differ, leading to distinct isomers. 'Cis' refers to isomers where similar groups are on the same side, while 'trans' indicates they are on opposite sides. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding the physical and chemical properties of compounds.

Criteria for Cis-Trans Isomerism

For a compound to exhibit cis-trans isomerism, it must have at least one double bond or a ring structure that restricts rotation. Additionally, the compound must have two different substituents attached to each carbon involved in the double bond or ring. This requirement ensures that distinct spatial arrangements can exist, allowing for the identification of cis and trans forms. Understanding these criteria is essential for determining which compounds can exhibit this type of isomerism.

Examples of Compounds with Cis-Trans Isomerism

Common examples of compounds that can exhibit cis-trans isomerism include alkenes, such as 2-butene, and certain cyclic compounds, like cyclohexane derivatives. In 2-butene, the presence of a double bond between the two central carbon atoms allows for the formation of cis and trans isomers based on the positioning of the methyl groups. Recognizing these examples helps in visualizing how cis-trans isomerism manifests in various chemical structures.

Watch next

Master Isomers Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Draw the structural formulas and name all cyclic isomers with the formula C₅H₁₀.

776

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following substances exist as can cis–trans isomers? Draw both isomers for those that do.

a. 2,3-Dimethyl-2-pentene (condensed structures only)

b. 2-Methyl-2-hexene (both condensed and line structures)

c. 2-Hexene (line structures only)

666

views

Textbook Question

Write structural formulas for compounds that meet the following descriptions:

a. An alkene, C₆H₁₂, that cannot have cis–trans isomers and whose longest chain is 5 carbons long

682

views

Textbook Question

Write structural formulas for compounds that meet the following descriptions:

b. An alkene with a chemical formula of C₁₀H₁₂, that has cis–trans isomers and contains a benzene ring.

564

views

Textbook Question

Why do you suppose small-ring cycloalkenes like cyclohexene do not exist as cis–trans isomers, whereas large ring cycloalkenes like cyclodecene do show isomerism?

727

views

Textbook Question

Name all unbranched ether and alcohol isomers with formula C₅H₁₂O and write their structural formulas.

849

views

Textbook Question

Identify the compounds in each of the following pairs as structural isomers or not structural isomers:

789

views

Textbook Question

Indicate whether each of the following pairs represent structural isomers or the same molecule: