cis-trans isomerism

noun

Definition of cis-trans isomerism

: geometric isomerism in unsaturated compounds or cyclic compounds depending usually on the presence in the molecule of a pair of substituted groups (as unsymmetrically substituted methylene groups) so that the isomers have comparable substituents on either the same or opposite sides of the molecule: such as

a : stereoisomerism in compounds (as maleic and fumaric acids) containing one or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds

b : syn-anti isomerism

c : stereoisomerism in various cyclic compounds (as disubstituted cyclohexanes) which in many cases may also exhibit optical isomerism

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“Cis-trans isomerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cis-trans%20isomerism. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

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