Isomers

[Neuroplasticity]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Aren't these both diastereomers and geometric isomers? Answer key says A

 

[canadianguy7]

A geometric isomer is based on trans or cis orientation on a double bond?

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Aren't these both diastereomers and geometric isomers? Answer key says A

Honestly, I had to look it up to see if you could even compare them using the term "Geometric Isomer." I have never used it for comparison of two molecules, but they are definitely diastereomers.

 

[theonlytycrane]

I also had to look it up. It looks like geometric isomers are a result of restricted rotation in a molecule, which can result from a double-bond or a cyclic compound. Also, it looks like the term 'geometric isomer' is out dated and has been replaced by cis/trans isomers.

The methyl groups in each molecule are trans, but the Bromine atoms are cis. Due to this ambiguity maybe diastereomers is a better classification than cis/trans isomers.

reference: http://www.chem.ucalgary.ca/courses/351/Carey5th/Ch07/ch7-1.html