Question

What causes geometric isomers?

Answer 1

The potential of certain molecules to give a number of distinct geometries..........

Explanation:

Geometric isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula, and the SAME CONNECTIVITY that have different geometries.

The best and most simple example of geometric isomerism occurs for `"2-butylene"`, `"H"_3"CCH=CHCH"_3`.

Because the methyl groups can be on the SAME or DIFFERENT sides of the olefinic bond, the structure can generate 2 geometric isomers:

For both isomers, the `C-C` connectivity is the same: `C1` connects to `C2` connects to `C3` connects to `C4`. And yet these isomers are manifestly different geometrically. Their physical constants are also particular. The cis isomer has a normal boiling point of `3.7` `""^@C`, that of the trans isomer is `0.9` `""^@C`,