What is the difference between e/z notation and cis-trans isomerism?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cis%E2%80%93trans_isomerism
i have seen it but still don't understand.....
Try this one.
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100408040903AAup69p
is this mean that e/z notation can definitely explain cis-trans isomerism but cis-trans not necessary can explain e/z notation ?
The E/Z notation and cis-trans isomerism are both used to describe the relative spatial arrangement of atoms or groups around a double bond in organic compounds. While they have similarities, there are also differences between the two.
Cis-trans isomerism refers to the spatial arrangement of substituent groups around a double bond in a molecule. It is specifically used when there are two different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond, and the positions of these groups relative to each other determine whether the isomer is cis or trans. In cis isomers, the two identical groups are on the same side of the double bond, while in trans isomers, the two identical groups are on opposite sides of the double bond.
On the other hand, the E/Z notation is used to describe the stereochemistry around a double bond, even if there are more than two different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond. The designation E (from "entgegen," German for "opposite") indicates that the higher priority groups are on opposite sides of the double bond, while the designation Z (from "zusammen," German for "together") indicates that the higher priority groups are on the same side of the double bond.
To determine the E/Z configuration, you need to assign priorities to the groups attached to the carbon atoms of the double bond using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules. This involves looking at the atomic number of each atom directly attached to the double bond. The group with the highest atomic number gets the highest priority, and the group with the lowest atomic number gets the lowest priority. If the two groups with the highest priorities are on the same side of the double bond, it is designated as Z. If they are on opposite sides, it is designated as E.
In summary, cis-trans isomerism is a specific case of E/Z notation, used when there are only two different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond. The E/Z notation is more general and can be used when there are multiple different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond.