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Developing Fuels

Why alkenes show stereoisomerism, and the E/Z and cis/trans rules

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  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on why there is no rotation about C=C, the condition for stereoisomerism, and the E/Z priority rules.

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Answer each one before you reveal it.

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How does stereoisomerism about a C=C bond arise, and when are the E/Z and cis/trans names used?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What are stereoisomers?

    Model answer

    Compounds with the same molecular formula and the same atoms bonded in the same order, but with those atoms arranged differently in space.

  2. 2

    How does stereoisomerism about a C=C bond arise?

    Model answer

    There is no free rotation about the double bond, so groups held on opposite sides of it cannot swap places.

  3. 3

    Why is there no free rotation about a C=C bond?

    Model answer

    Turning one carbon relative to the other would destroy the sideways overlap of the p orbitals that makes up the π bond, and far too much energy would be needed for that at ordinary temperatures.

  4. 4

    What condition must be satisfied for an alkene to show stereoisomerism?

    Model answer

    Each carbon of the double bond must carry two different groups.

  5. 5

    Why does but-1-ene show no stereoisomerism?

    Model answer

    One carbon of its double bond carries two hydrogen atoms, so exchanging them gives back the same molecule.

  6. 6

    Why does 2-methylbut-2-ene show no E/Z isomerism?

    Model answer

    One carbon of the double bond carries two identical methyl groups.

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