Q62 · Practice questionSimple familiar4 marks
QUESTION 62 (4 marks)
The structures show two isomers of 1,2-dichloroethene.
a) Identify A and B as cis or trans. [2 marks]
b) Explain why these isomers do not readily interconvert at room temperature without breaking a bond. [2 marks]
WORKED SOLUTION
4 marksPractice marking scheme
A is cis; B is trans. The π component of the double bond prevents free rotation.
In A the chlorines lie on the same side of C=C; in B they lie on opposite sides. Rotation would disrupt the π-bond orbital overlap, requiring substantial energy/bond breaking.
- Identifies A as cis. [1 marks]
- Identifies B as trans. [1 marks]
- Identifies restricted rotation about C=C. [1 marks]
- Explains rotation would break/disrupt the π bond. [1 marks]
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