How do cis and trans isomers arise in an organic molecule?

1 Answer
May 29, 2016

See this old answer.

Explanation:

The answer in the link makes specific reference to #"cis/trans isomerism"# in olefins, and gives the example of #H_3C-CH=CH-CH_3#, which has the 2 geometric isomers.

A ring structure can also generate geometric isomerism: #"1,2-dichlorocyclohexane, "1,2-C_6H_10Cl_2# generates a pair of geometric isomers. The halides can be on the same side of the ring #"(cis)"#, or on opposite sides #"(trans)"#.