Question

Write structural formulas for cis-4-octene and trans-4- octene.

Short answer

Structural formula for cis-4-octene

Cis-4- octene

The structural formula for trans-4-octene

Trans-4-octene

Step-by-step solution

Geometrical Isomers

These are the isomers that have the same molecular formula and structure but differ in the arrangement of atoms. These are also referred to as cis-trans isomerism.

Step 2: Cis-4- octene

The name suggests that the compound has the longest continuous chain of eight carbon atoms. There is one double bond at the fourth position of the chain. The cis isomer refers to which the binding groups are on the same side of the double bond. The structure is as shown:

Cis-4- octene

Trans-4-octene

The name suggests that the compound has the longest continuous chain of eight carbon atoms. There is one double bond at the fourth position of the carbon chain. The trans isomer refers to which the binding groups are on the opposite side of the double bond. The structure is as shown:

Trans-4-octene