Question

Which of the following does not show geometrical isomerism? (a) 1,1 -dichloro-1-pentene (b) 1,2 -dichloro- 1 -pentene (c) 1,3 -dichloro-1-pentene (d) 1,4 -dichlroro-2-pentene

Short answer

Option (a), 1,1-dichloro-1-pentene, does not show geometrical isomerism.

Step-by-step solution

Review Molecular Structure

To determine which compound does not show geometrical isomerism, first examine the molecular structure of each option by identifying the position of chlorine atoms and double bonds in the carbon chain.

Understand Geometric Isomerism

Geometric or cis-trans isomerism occurs in alkenes when there are two different substituents on each carbon atom of the double bond, allowing for the existence of distinct spatial arrangements.

Analyze Option (a): 1,1-dichloro-1-pentene

In option (a), the 1,1-dichloro-1-pentene compound has both chlorine atoms attached to the same carbon atom. This configuration does not allow for geometric isomerism because the double bond does not have two distinct substituents on each carbon atom involved.

Analyze Option (b): 1,2-dichloro-1-pentene

Option (b), 1,2-dichloro-1-pentene, has chlorine atoms positioned on the first and second carbon atoms. The double bond is between carbons 1 and 2 with distinct substituents, allowing for geometric isomerism (cis and trans forms).

Analyze Option (c): 1,3-dichloro-1-pentene

Option (c), 1,3-dichloro-1-pentene, has the chlorine atoms farther apart, on the first and third carbon atoms. This arrangement allows for geometric isomerism as the double bond can have different substituents on each side.

Analyze Option (d): 1,4-dichloro-2-pentene

In option (d), 1,4-dichloro-2-pentene, the chlorine atoms are separated and the double bond at position 2 allows for geometric isomerism with distinct substituents around the double bond.

Conclusion

Since geometrical isomerism requires distinct substituents around a double bond, and in option (a) both chlorine atoms are attached to the same carbon atom, only option (a) cannot exhibit geometrical isomerism.

Key concepts

Geometric Isomerism in Alkenes

Geometric isomerism is a fascinating aspect of organic chemistry, particularly in alkenes. This type of isomerism occurs when a molecule can exist in two or more forms differing only in the orientation of atoms in space. For alkenes, this isomerism happens when there is restricted rotation around the carbon-carbon double bond, allowing for the creation of distinct spatial arrangements of atoms.

To exhibit geometric isomerism, an alkene must have different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond. This configuration ensures that the spatial orientation can give rise to different isomers. Without these distinct substituents, as mentioned in 1,1-dichloro-1-pentene, geometric isomerism is not possible.

In summary, for geometric isomerism to occur in alkenes:

• There must be a double bond restricting rotation.
• Each carbon in the double bond must have two different substituents.

Cis-Trans Isomerism

Cis-trans isomerism is a specific type of geometric isomerism. It's a simple yet insightful way to understand how compound structures can vary based on the positioning of substituents around a double bond. In cis-trans isomers, the arrangement of the groups or atoms relative to the double bond leads to two distinct shapes: cis (same side) and trans (opposite sides).

For example, in 1,2-dichloro-1-pentene, the chlorine atoms can either both linger on the same side of the double bond (cis) or on opposite sides (trans). This creates different physical and chemical properties despite having the same kinds of atoms in the molecule.

Key points to remember about cis-trans isomerism include:

• "Cis" indicates substituents on the same side of the double bond.
• "Trans" indicates substituents are on opposite sides.
• This isomerism influences the polarity and boiling points of compounds.

Alkene Structure Analysis

Analyzing the structure of alkenes is crucial to determining whether they can exhibit geometric isomerism. This involves looking at the placement of substituents relative to the double bond and assessing whether these arrangements allow for cis-trans isomerism.

Let’s take a closer look at the alkenes provided in the example. With 1,1-dichloro-1-pentene, both chlorine atoms are on the same carbon atom, eliminating the possibility of geometric isomerism. Conversely, compounds like 1,2-dichloro-1-pentene allow for isomerism since the double-bonded carbons each have different substituents—an arrangement that supports multiple spatial configurations.

Important steps in alkene analysis for isomerism:

• Identify the carbon atoms involved in the double bond.
• Check for different substituents on these carbons.
• Assess if distinct spatial orientations (cis and trans) are possible.