Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

Cis vs Trans

Organic Chemistry

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

Cis vs Trans

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4:12 minutes

Problem 17a

Textbook Question

Identify the following substituted cycloalkanes as cis or trans.
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of cis and trans isomers. Cis isomers have substituents on the same side of the cycloalkane ring, while trans isomers have substituents on opposite sides of the ring.

Step 2: Examine the structure of the substituted cycloalkane provided in the problem. Identify the positions of the substituents relative to the plane of the ring (above or below).

Step 3: Determine whether the substituents are on the same side (cis) or opposite sides (trans) of the ring. This can be done by visualizing or drawing the molecule in 3D.

Step 4: If the substituents are on the same side, label the molecule as cis. If they are on opposite sides, label the molecule as trans.

Step 5: Double-check your analysis by considering the spatial arrangement of the substituents and ensuring the correct identification of cis or trans isomers.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cis-Trans Isomerism

Cis-trans isomerism, also known as geometric isomerism, occurs in compounds with restricted rotation around a bond, typically in alkenes or cyclic structures. In cycloalkanes, 'cis' refers to substituents on the same side of the ring, while 'trans' indicates they are on opposite sides. This spatial arrangement significantly affects the physical and chemical properties of the compounds.

Cycloalkanes

Cycloalkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure. They can vary in size and the number of carbon atoms, influencing their stability and reactivity. The presence of substituents on the ring can lead to different isomeric forms, which are crucial for determining their classification as cis or trans.

Substituents and Their Position

In the context of cycloalkanes, substituents are atoms or groups attached to the carbon ring. The position of these substituents relative to each other is essential for determining whether the compound is classified as cis or trans. Understanding how to identify and visualize these positions is key to accurately categorizing the isomers.

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