is trans-dibromoethene a proper way of labeling an alkene?
Trans-dibromoethene is not a proper way of labeling an alkene. The correct IUPAC name for this compound is trans-1,2-dibromoethene.
To determine the IUPAC name of an alkene, you need to follow a set of rules provided by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Here's how you can determine the IUPAC name of an alkene step-by-step:
1. Identify the longest carbon chain that includes both carbon atoms in the double bond. In this case, the longest chain contains two carbon atoms, so it is called "ethene" since it has two carbons.
2. Number the carbon atoms in the chain in such a way that the double bond gets the lowest possible numbers. In our case, we have only two carbon atoms, so no need to number them.
3. Add the appropriate prefix to indicate the presence of a double bond. The "-ene" suffix indicates an alkene. In our case, we have ethene.
4. Indicate the position of the double bond by placing a number before the name of the alkene. Since we only have two carbon atoms, we don't need to specify the position of the double bond.
5. Finally, if there are any substituents attached to the alkene, name and number them accordingly. In the case of trans-1,2-dibromoethene, we have two bromine atoms attached, one on each carbon of the double bond. The prefix "dibromo" indicates the presence of two bromine atoms.
So, the proper IUPAC name for trans-dibromoethene is trans-1,2-dibromoethene.