Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Isomerization
Isomerization is a chemical process where a compound is transformed into one or more of its isomers, which have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. In the case of cis-2,4-dimethylcyclohexanone, the isomerization involves the conversion between cis and trans forms, which differ in the spatial arrangement of substituents around the cyclohexane ring.
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Nucleophilic Catalysis
Nucleophilic catalysis involves the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a nucleophile, which donates an electron pair to form a bond with an electrophile. In the presence of NaOH, hydroxide ions can act as nucleophiles, facilitating the isomerization of the ketone by attacking the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of an intermediate that can rearrange to yield the trans isomer.
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Equilibrium and Reaction Conditions
The concept of equilibrium in chemistry refers to the state where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. In the isomerization of cis-2,4-dimethylcyclohexanone, the reaction conditions, such as solvent and temperature, influence the equilibrium position, allowing for the coexistence of both cis and trans isomers in the final mixture.
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