What is the difference between cis and trans isomers?
1 Answer
Mar 17, 2018
The positions of the functional groups on the sides of a double bond.
Explanation:
The double bond prevents rotational movement of the functional groups. This creates an up position and a down position across from the double bond.
In a cis isomer both functional groups are either up or down. ( actually makes no difference between up and down just how it is drawn)
Cl . Cl
| ..... |
C = C
|......|
H.....H
In a trans isomer one functional group is up and the other is down.
Cl....H
,,| .....|
C = C
..|......|
H....Cl
The isomers because of the geometrical differences actually behave differently chemically.
