Final answer:
Cyclooctene does not have distinct cis or trans configurations around its double bond similar to simpler alkenes due to its cyclic structure. Instead, various conformations are possible due to the size and flexibility of the eight-membered ring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about cyclooctene and its configurations around the double bond is somewhat different from the information provided, which largely discusses cycloalkanes such as cyclohexane, cyclopentane, and their non-planarity and conformations, such as the chair conformation and boat conformation. However, addressing the student's question directly: cyclooctene, with a double bond in an eight-membered ring, does not have distinct cis or trans configurations as in simpler alkenes due to the cyclic structure limiting rotation around the double bond. In larger rings such as cyclooctene, the conformations of the double bond are more complex than simple cis and trans, due to the ring's size and potential for varying degrees of twist and strain. It is not correct to describe these as two distinct configurations like in open-chain alkenes but there may be various conformations in which the double bond and adjacent atoms can be puckered or twisted to some extent to minimize strain.