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Which is a more stable conjugated compound: the cis form or the trans form and why?

Answer 1

Consider the two forms, respectively,

The methyl groups coming off of the double bond are closer in the cis isomer than the trans isomer.

Hence, there is more steric interaction in the cis isomer, leading to its relative instability when considering a trans isomer.

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Answer 2

Madison Anderson

The trans form of a conjugated compound is typically more stable than the cis form. This is because in the trans configuration, the π orbitals of the conjugated system are aligned in a linear fashion, minimizing steric hindrance and allowing for better overlap of the π orbitals, leading to increased delocalization of electrons and greater stability.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.