Trans and Cis

[Leslie Almaraz 4G]

Is the only way to determine is a compound is trans- or cis- by the formation of the atoms?

[rabiasumar2E]

Yes, so if two of the same atoms are on the same side of the central atom then it is cis- and if they are on opposite sides then it is trans-.

[Ruby Tang 2J]

Yes, you wouldn't be able to tell if you were just given the molecular formula. Cis-trans isomerism is when there is a double bond and therefore restricted rotation, since pi bonds can't be rotated without being broken. Cis indicates that the functional groups appear on the same side of the double bond, whereas trans indicates that they appear on opposite sides.

[Arianna Perea 3H]

is it still a cis if more than 2 atoms are on the same side?

[Areena H 2K]

Cis would be when the 2 atoms bond are on the same side and trans is when they are on opposite sides

[JohannaPerezH2F]

yes, and it would by looking at where the isomer is. the isomer where the two methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond is called “cis”, and the isomer where the two methyl groups are on the opposite side is called “trans”.

[Jasmine Summers 4G]

From what I understand, trans and cis are just 2 versions of resonance structures. Trans and typically non polar, while cis are polar.

[Jennifer Yang 3F]

Yes, if the two identical atoms are on the opposite side, it's trans. If two identical atoms are not the same side, it's cis.

[504939134]

Yes, whenever you see that there are the same two molecules on the same side you will know it is cis, and if you see them on opposite sides it is trans.