Textbook Question
Draw the skeletal structure and give the name and omega number of the following fatty acid:
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2HC=CHCH2HC=CHCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COOH
Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
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Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 76b
Determine whether each of the following is the cis or the trans stereoisomer:
(b) 
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Identify the double bond in the molecule. A cis-trans isomerism occurs around a double bond where two different groups are attached to each carbon of the double bond.
Examine the groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond. Determine the two substituents on each carbon.
For the cis isomer, the two identical or similar groups are on the same side of the double bond (both above or both below the plane of the double bond). For the trans isomer, the identical or similar groups are on opposite sides of the double bond (one above and one below the plane).
Compare the positions of the substituents on the double bond in the given image. Check if the identical or similar groups are on the same side (cis) or opposite sides (trans).
Based on the analysis, classify the given structure as either the cis or the trans isomer.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Stereoisomerism
Stereoisomerism refers to the phenomenon where compounds have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of those atoms. This can lead to different physical and chemical properties. The two main types of stereoisomers are enantiomers and diastereomers, with cis and trans isomers being a specific type of diastereomer.
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Stereoisomers Concept 2
Cis-Trans Isomerism
Cis-trans isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism where the isomers differ in the arrangement of substituents around a double bond or a ring structure. In cis isomers, similar groups are on the same side, while in trans isomers, they are on opposite sides. This distinction can significantly affect the physical properties of the compounds, such as boiling points and solubility.
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Identifying Isomers
To determine whether a compound is a cis or trans isomer, one must analyze the spatial arrangement of its substituents. This often involves visualizing the molecule's structure, particularly around double bonds or cyclic systems. Tools such as molecular models or drawings can help clarify the orientation of groups, allowing for accurate identification of the isomer type.
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2:28Isomers Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Mark the chiral centers in the following molecules, if any, with an asterisk (*).
(a)
Textbook Question
The vision process in animals involves the change of one double bond in retinal from its cis form to its trans form. The structures of cis and trans retinal are shown below. Label which is cis and which is trans.
Textbook Question
The structure of vitamin A is shown in Problem 4.54. Is the double bond nearest the ring on the carbon chain cis or trans?
Textbook Question
Determine whether each of the following is the cis or the trans stereoisomer:
(c)
Textbook Question
Mark the chiral centers in the following molecules, if any, with an asterisk (*).
(d)