Question

Is cis, trans isomerism possible in alkanes?

Short answer

Answer: No, cis, trans isomerism is not possible in alkanes. Cis, trans isomerism occurs in organic molecules with restricted rotation around a carbon-carbon double bond, which is not present in alkanes. Alkanes have carbon atoms connected solely by single bonds, allowing free rotation and eliminating the possibility of cis or trans configurations.

Step-by-step solution

Understand cis, trans isomerism

Cis, trans isomerism (also known as geometric isomerism) is a type of stereoisomerism occurring in organic molecules with restricted rotation around a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) and having different groups attached to the carbon atoms of the double bond. The terms "cis" and "trans" are used to denote the relative positions of the groups attached to the C=C double bond. If the groups are on the same side of the double bond, they are in the cis configuration, whereas if the groups are on opposite sides of the double bond, they are in the trans configuration.

Understand the structure of alkanes

Alkanes are a class of organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected solely by single bonds (C-C and C-H). They are also known as saturated hydrocarbons and their general formula is C_nH_(2n+2), where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. The carbon atoms in alkanes have tetrahedral geometry and are sp^3 hybridized, meaning that each carbon atom forms four single bonds with the surrounding atoms. The rotation around these single bonds is not restricted unlike the double bond and allows free rotation, which helps molecules adjust their conformation.

Determine if cis, trans isomerism is possible in alkanes

Since cis, trans isomerism occurs in organic molecules with restricted rotation around a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C), it is not possible for alkanes to exhibit this type of isomerism. In alkanes, the carbon atoms are connected solely by single bond (C-C). These single bonds allow free rotation, which means that the groups attached to the carbon atoms in alkanes can easily switch their positions (by rotating around the single bond), and therefore, no cis or trans configurations can be observed.