How do you separate e and z isomers?
1 Answer
You separate them on the basis of their physical properties.
Explanation:
If they are solids, two common techniques are
Fractional Crystallization
Their solubilities may be different enough in a given solvent that one isomer may crystallize as a hot solution cools while the other isomer stays in solution.
Liquid Chromatography
Their affinities for the stationary phase may be different enough that they can be separated by liquid chromatography.
If they are liquids, three common techniques are
Liquid Chromatography
Liquids can also be separated by liquid chromatography.
Fractional distillation
The boiling points of the isomers might be different enough that you can separate them by fractional distillation.
Gas Chromatography
The affinities for the stationary phase may be different enough that they can be separated by gas chromatography.
If all else fails, you might try
Derivatization
If the isomers contain another functional group, you may be able to prepare a derivative of the isomers and separate the derivatives.