E/Z Isomerism
- Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same atoms connected to each other, however the atoms are differently arranged in space
Geometrical (E/Z) isomerism
- Geometrical isomerism is seen in unsaturated (double bond containing) or ring compounds that have the same molecular formula and order of atoms (the atoms are connected similarly to each other) but different shapes
- E/Z nomenclature is used to distinguish between the isomers
- Z isomers have functional groups on the same side of the double bond/carbon ring
- E isomers have functional groups on opposite sides of the double bond/carbon ring
- You may see this type of isomerism referred to in other sources as cis/trans isomerism
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- This is a special case of E/Z isomerism
- A "cis" isomer would essentially be the same as a "Z" isomer and a "trans" isomer would also essentially be the same as an "E" isomer
Geometrical isomerism in unsaturated compounds
Geometrical isomerism in cyclic compounds
- This causes the compounds to have different chemical and physical properties
- For example, they may have different reaction rates for the same reaction (chemical property) or different melting/boiling points (physical property)
