2-butene can exist as both cis and trans isomers due to the presence of a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: What is the stereochemistry of 2-butene?
Solution: 2-butene can exist as both cis and trans isomers due to the presence of a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that 2-butene is a type of alkene, which means it has a double bond.
Step 2: Identify the structure of 2-butene, which has four carbon atoms (C1, C2, C3, C4) and a double bond between C2 and C3.
Step 3: Recognize that the double bond prevents rotation, leading to different arrangements of the atoms around it.
Step 4: Determine the two possible arrangements: 'cis' where the two methyl groups (CH3) are on the same side of the double bond, and 'trans' where they are on opposite sides.
Step 5: Conclude that 2-butene can exist in two forms: cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene.
