What stereoisomers would be created by the reaction of (Z)- stilbene with bromine?
To determine the stereoisomers that would be created by the reaction of (Z)-stilbene with bromine, we need to understand the reaction mechanism. In this case, the reaction of (Z)-stilbene with bromine leads to the addition of the bromine molecule across the double bond, resulting in the formation of a 1,2-dibromoalkane.
When bromine reacts with (Z)-stilbene, it adds to both ends of the double bond, which creates two possible products. Let's walk through the reaction and identify the stereoisomers:
1. (Z)-Stilbene, also known as trans-stilbene, has a cis configuration across the double bond.
2. Bromine (Br2) adds across the double bond, with one bromine atom attaching to each carbon of the double bond. This forms 1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane.
3. The result of this addition gives us two possible stereoisomers:
- The first stereoisomer is created when the two phenyl groups remain on the same side (cis-stereochemistry) after the addition of bromine. This stereoisomer is called cis-1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane.
- The second stereoisomer is formed when the phenyl groups end up on opposite sides (trans-stereochemistry) after the addition of bromine. This stereoisomer is called trans-1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane.
Therefore, the reaction of (Z)-stilbene with bromine produces two stereoisomers: cis-1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane and trans-1,2-dibromo-1,2-diphenylethane.