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cis/trans Geometric Isomerism in Alkenes

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An alkene with two different groups on each double-bonded carbon can be cis, with like groups on the same side, or trans, with them opposite.

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cis-2-butene has both methyls on the same side; trans-2-butene has them on opposite sides.

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These are different compounds, not one molecule viewed two ways — free rotation only occurs at single bonds, not double bonds.

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