Why don't alkanes have geometric isomers?

Answer 1

Because, generally, their structure affords them no opportunity for geometric isomerism.

It is possible for an alkane to have two chiral centers, which would result in two diastereomers; however, this is a highly artificial situation.

An alkane has general formula #C_nH_(2n+2)#. When we draw them out we depict the most symmetric structure possible, a straight chain. With no chiral centres, and no olefinic bonds, geometric isomerism cannot be supported.

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Answer 2

Santiago Alfonso

Alkanes have only single bonds, restricting rotation around carbon-carbon bonds, preventing the formation of geometric isomers.

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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.