Question

Which of the following statement is true regarding cis and trans-2-butenes?

• A. cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene isomers have the same structure and same arrangement of atoms or groups in space
• B. Trans-alkenes and cis-alkene are generally equal in stability
• C. cis-2-butene are generally more stable than trans-2-butene due to less steric crowding.
• D. cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene isomers have the same structure and different arrangement of atoms or groups in space

Answer 1

The correct option is D cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene isomers have the same structure and different arrangement of atoms or groups in space

Cis and Trans-isomers have the same structure but have different configuration (arrangement of atoms or groups in space)
Trans-alkenes are generally more stable than cis-alkenes due to less steric crowding.
In some cases, where H-bonding is possible, cis-alkenes are more stable relatively than trans-alkenes.