How do cis and trans isomers arise?
1 Answer
Jan 14, 2017
When we have a C=C with each carbon of the C=C having two different groups attached to it.
Explanation:
Because there is restricted rotation around C=C bonds, a consequence of the formation of the pi-bond being above and below the plane of the molecule, we can have molecules with the same structural formula but different spatial arrangement.
cis-isomers refer to alkenes where there are two groups the same, both on the same side of the double bond.
trans-isomers refer to alkenes where there are two groups the same but on either side of the double bond.
Image: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/basicorg/isomerism/geometric.html