What is the main type of isomerism exhibited by butene (C4H8)?

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Q: What is the main type of isomerism exhibited by butene (C4H8)?

Solution: Butene exhibits geometric isomerism due to the presence of a double bond, allowing for cis and trans configurations.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Understand what butene is. Butene is a hydrocarbon with the formula C4H8, which means it has 4 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms.
Step 2: Identify the structure of butene. Butene has a double bond between two carbon atoms.
Step 3: Learn about isomerism. Isomerism is when compounds have the same formula but different structures or arrangements.
Step 4: Recognize the types of isomerism. There are different types of isomerism, including structural isomerism and geometric isomerism.
Step 5: Focus on geometric isomerism. Geometric isomerism occurs when there is a double bond, allowing for different spatial arrangements of atoms.
Step 6: Identify the types of geometric isomers. In butene, the two main configurations are 'cis' (same side) and 'trans' (opposite sides) around the double bond.
Step 7: Conclude that butene exhibits geometric isomerism because of its double bond, which allows for these cis and trans configurations.