What are the E and Z isomers of pent-2-ene?

1 Answer
Apr 10, 2016

See below.

Explanation:

The formula of pent-2-ene is #"CH"_3"CH=CHCH"_2"CH"_3#.

Each double-bonded carbon atom has an #"H"# and a #"C"# directly attached, so the molecule exhibits #E//Z# isomerism.

#"C"# has higher priority than #"H"#.

In (#E#)-pent-2-ene (on the left), the #"C"# atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond.

E,Z isomers

In (#Z#)-pent-2-ene (on the right), the #"C"# atoms are on the same side of the double bond.