Chapter 21, Problem 24E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: An example of alkene and cycloalkanes with formula ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{8}}$ needs to be determined. The requirements for an alkene or cycloalkane to show cis-trans isomerism needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: Cis-trans isomerism is also known as configurational or geometrical isomerism. The prefixes cis and trans are Latin words in which ‘‘cis’’ represents ‘‘this side of’’ and ‘‘trans’’ represents ‘‘the other side’’. This type of isomerism occurs in unsaturated compounds (i.e. double bonds) or cyclic compounds depending on the presence of substituted groups in a molecule.