E-Z Isomerism Quiz: Questions and Answers for Organic Chemistry

Which nomenclature is used to assign priority to groups attached to a C=C in E-Z isomerism?

In E-Z isomerism, how are the priorities of groups attached to the C=C determined?

Which of the following alkenes exhibits E-Z isomerism?

What does E-Z isomerism refer to?

Which term describes the stereoisomers where the highest priority groups are on opposite sides of a C=C bond?

What is the main difference between structural isomerism and stereoisomerism?

What causes E-Z isomerism?

Which type of isomerism involves molecules that can be non superimposable mirror images of each other?

How are E-Z isomers distinguished from each other?

What causes position isomers?

Which type of isomerism results from having a different carbon chain?

E-Z Isomerism

E-Z isomerism occurs when molecules have a C=C with two different groups attached to each C of the C=C.
E-Z isomers are caused by the different arrangement of atoms in space, despite having the same molecular and structural formulas.
To determine the E and Z isomers, the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules are used.

Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) Priority Rules

The CIP priority rules are used to assign priority to groups attached to C=C.
The higher the atomic number of the group attached to the C's, the higher the priority.
If the atomic numbers are the same, look at the atoms attached to those atoms.

E and Z Isomerism

E isomer: highest priority opposite (entgegan)
Z isomer: highest priority together (zusammen)

Types of Isomerism

Structural isomerism: molecules with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.
Stereoisomerism: molecules with the same molecular and structural formulas but a different arrangement of atoms in space.

Examples of Isomerism

Chain isomers: caused by having a different carbon chain.
Position isomers: caused by the functional group being in a different position.
Functional group isomers: caused by having a different functional group.
Optical isomers: caused by C with atoms having four different groups attached, leading to molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Learn about the p bond and the structural and stereoisomerism types in organic chemistry. Understand the differences between structural isomerism and stereoisomerism based on the molecular and structural formulas of molecules.