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Ch. 7 - Structure and Synthesis of Alkenes; Elimination
Wade - Organic Chemistry 9th Edition
Wade9th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213728Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 7, Problema 47

The energy difference between cis- and trans-but-2-ene is about 4 kJ/mol; however, the trans isomer of 4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene is nearly 16 kJ/mol more stable than the cis isomer. Explain this large difference.

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1
Understand the stability difference between cis- and trans-isomers: Cis-isomers generally have higher steric strain due to the proximity of substituents on the same side of the double bond, while trans-isomers are more stable because substituents are on opposite sides, reducing steric interactions.
Analyze the substituents in 4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene: The molecule has bulky methyl groups at the 4th position. In the cis-isomer, these bulky groups are on the same side of the double bond, leading to significant steric hindrance.
Compare steric hindrance in cis- and trans-isomers: In the trans-isomer of 4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene, the bulky methyl groups are positioned on opposite sides of the double bond, minimizing steric interactions and increasing stability.
Relate the energy difference to steric strain: The large energy difference (16 kJ/mol) between the cis- and trans-isomers of 4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene is due to the severe steric strain in the cis-isomer caused by the bulky methyl groups being forced into close proximity.
Conclude the explanation: The greater stability of the trans-isomer is attributed to reduced steric hindrance, which is more pronounced in molecules with bulky substituents like 4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene compared to simpler molecules like but-2-ene.

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Steric Strain

Steric strain occurs when atoms are forced closer together than their natural distance, leading to increased energy and instability. In the case of cis-but-2-ene, the bulky groups are on the same side, causing greater steric hindrance compared to the trans isomer, where the groups are opposite each other, reducing strain.
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Hyperconjugation

Hyperconjugation is the stabilizing interaction that occurs when the electrons in a sigma bond interact with an adjacent empty or partially filled p-orbital or antibonding orbital. In trans-4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene, the arrangement allows for more effective hyperconjugation, enhancing stability compared to the cis isomer.
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Substituent Effects

The stability of alkenes is influenced by the nature and position of substituents. In trans-4,4-dimethylpent-2-ene, the presence of two bulky methyl groups on opposite sides minimizes steric interactions, leading to a more stable configuration than in the cis isomer, where these groups are closer together.
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