Geometrical isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism where molecules with identical structural formulas exhibit different spatial atom arrangements due to restricted bond rotation. This phenomenon is prevalent in alkenes and cyclic compounds, leading to cis and trans isomers with distinct physical and chemical properties. Understanding isomerism is vital for applications in polymer production, food industry, and pharmaceuticals, where isomer forms can affect the efficacy and safety of chemical products.
Show More
Geometrical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism where molecules with the same structural formula have different spatial orientations of atoms
Carbon-Carbon Double Bond
Alkenes with a carbon-carbon double bond and cyclic compounds exhibit geometrical isomerism due to restricted rotation around certain bonds
Cis and Trans Isomers
Geometrical isomers, known as cis and trans, are characterized by the relative positions of substituent groups on either side of the double bond or within the ring
The understanding of geometrical isomerism has its roots in the 19th century with the work of Auguste Laurent and was further refined by the contributions of Jacobus Henricus Van't Hoff and Joseph Achille Le Bel
Geometrical isomerism can have profound effects on the physical and chemical properties of molecules, such as boiling points, solubility, and reactivity
Industrial and Medicinal Chemistry
Geometrical isomerism is utilized in various fields, including the production of polymers and plastics, the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, and the design of pharmaceuticals
Importance in Chemical Design and Synthesis
Understanding and controlling isomerism is crucial for the design and synthesis of effective and safe chemical products
Geometrical isomerism includes various types, primarily cis-trans and E-Z isomerism, which are distinguished by the relative positions of substituent groups around a double bond or within a ring
Optical Activity in Geometrical Isomers
Some geometrical isomers can exhibit optical activity, a property typically associated with chiral molecules, by rotating plane-polarized light
Influence of Lone Pairs on Molecular Geometry
Electron lone pairs can affect the spatial arrangement of molecules, causing deviations from expected geometries due to repulsion effects
00
In ______ compounds and alkenes with a carbon-carbon double bond, the rigidity causes the formation of distinct isomers known as cis and trans.
cyclic
01
Tetrahedral carbon atom model significance
Foundation for understanding isomerism; proposed by Van't Hoff and Le Bel; explains spatial atom arrangement.
02
Emil Fischer's contribution to stereochemistry
Developed Fischer projection; crucial for depicting 3D molecules in 2D; aids in studying isomers.
