What are geometric isomers? Give me an example

1 Answer
Mar 23, 2018

Molecules with the different groups "rotated" about the same double bond. These are technically constitutional isomers because double bonds cannot rotate.

Consider a simple case, cis and trans alkenes,

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The methyl groups are connected on different (E), and the same (Z) sides.

You will see more complicated iterations of the preceding, such as,

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where the former is E because its highest "priority" (same as absolute configuration scheme) groups are on different sides, and the latter is Z for the inverse of that reason.

""^1 J. Org. Chem. 2017, 82, 10883-10897.