What type of stereoisomerism is exhibited by 2-butene?

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Q: What type of stereoisomerism is exhibited by 2-butene?

Solution: 2-butene exhibits geometric isomerism (cis/trans) due to the restricted rotation around the double bond.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what stereoisomerism is. It refers to compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space.
Step 2: Identify the structure of 2-butene. It has a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms.
Step 3: Recognize that the double bond in 2-butene restricts rotation, meaning the atoms cannot freely rotate around the bond.
Step 4: Determine the types of groups attached to the carbon atoms involved in the double bond. In 2-butene, there are different groups on either side of the double bond.
Step 5: Understand that because of the different arrangements of these groups, 2-butene can exist in two forms: one where similar groups are on the same side (cis) and one where they are on opposite sides (trans).
Step 6: Conclude that this type of isomerism, where the arrangement of groups around a double bond leads to different isomers, is called geometric isomerism.