Why are there cis and trans isomers?

Answer 1

Because this a geometric consequence of structural chemistry.

For olefins, say #"2-butene"# and rings, say #1,2-"dimethylcyclohexane"# the geometry of the structure dictates that the methyl groups can be on the same side of the double bond or the ring (the cis isomer), or on the opposite sides of the double bond of the ring, the trans isomer). These are geometric isomers because connectivity is the same for both examples, and yet geometry is markedly different.

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Answer 2

Delilah Anderson

Cis and trans isomers occur due to differences in the spatial arrangement of atoms or groups around a double bond. In cis isomers, the substituent groups are on the same side of the double bond, while in trans isomers, the substituent groups are on opposite sides. This difference arises because of restricted rotation around the double bond, leading to distinct structural configurations.

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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.