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Which compound can exist as cis and trans isomers?

a. 1,1,2-tribromoethene
b. 1-bromo-1-chloroethene
c. 1-butene
d. 1,2-dibromoethene

1 Answer

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Final answer:

1,2-dibromoethene can exist as cis and trans isomers due to the presence of different substituents on the carbon atoms of the double bond, allowing for different spatial configurations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compound that can exist as cis and trans isomers from the choices given is 1,2-dibromoethene.

This is because cis-trans isomerism requires the presence of different substituents attached to the carbon atoms of a double bond, which restricts the rotation and allows for two different spatial arrangements of the atoms.

In 1,2-dibromoethene, there are two bromine atoms attached to the double-bonded carbons, allowing for one isomer with the bromine atoms on the same side (cis) and one with the bromine atoms on opposite sides (trans).

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