Which of the following molecule shows cis-trans isomers?

Correct answer: C. C2H2Br2

  • A. C2H4
  • B. C2H2Cl4
  • C. C2H2Br2
  • D. C2HCl3

Explanation

For cis-trans isomerism, the rotation must be restricted in the molecule (so, cannot occur in compounds that only have C-C single bonds) and there must be two non-identical groups on each double-bonded carbon atom. Option A does not fulfill this requirement, as each double-bonded carbon atom has two identical groups i.e. each C has two H atoms attached to it.Option B does not fulfill these requirements as it is a halogenoalkane, with no C-C double bonds so, rotation is not restricted in the molecule.Option C fulfills these requirements, as not only is rotation restricted as it has a C-C double bond, each carbon atom has two non-identical atoms, i.e. each C has one Hydrogen atom and one Bromine atom so, this option is correct.Option D does not fulfill the requirements as well as even though one double-bonded carbon atom has two non-identical atoms i.e. one H atom and one Cl atom, the other carbon has two identical Cl atoms.

This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2019 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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About Isomerism

Isomerism occurs when compounds have the same molecular formula but different atom arrangements or spatial orientations. The content includes chain, position, functional, metameric and tautomeric isomerism, along with geometrical and optical isomerism, including cis-trans forms, E/Z notation, chirality and enantiomers.

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