Which one of the following compounds can exist as cis-trans isomers?
- 1,1-Dimethylcyclopropane
- 1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane
- Pent-1-ene
- 2-Methylhex-2-ene
Answer
(2) 1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane
Solution
Cis-trans isomerism needs each of two restricted-rotation carbons (ring or C=C) to carry two different groups.
(1) 1,1-Dimethylcyclopropane: both CH3 on the same carbon; no cis-trans isomers.
(2) 1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane: C-1 and C-2 each carry H and CH3; the two CH3 groups can be on the same side (cis) or opposite sides (trans) of the ring.
(3) Pent-1-ene: C-1 carries two H atoms.
(4) 2-Methylhex-2-ene: C-2 carries two CH3 groups.
Answer: (2)