Do the following compounds have the E or the Z configuration?
a.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the E/Z nomenclature. The E/Z system is used to describe the stereochemistry of double bonds. 'E' stands for 'entgegen' (opposite sides), and 'Z' stands for 'zusammen' (same side). These configurations depend on the relative positions of the highest-priority substituents on each carbon of the double bond.
2. Step 2: Assign priorities to the substituents on each carbon of the double bond using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules. The priority is determined based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the double-bonded carbons. Higher atomic numbers correspond to higher priority.
3. Step 3: If the substituents with the highest priority are on opposite sides of the double bond, the configuration is 'E'. If they are on the same side, the configuration is 'Z'.
4. Step 4: Carefully analyze the structure of the given compounds. Identify the substituents attached to each carbon of the double bond and determine their priorities using the CIP rules.
5. Step 5: Based on the positions of the highest-priority substituents, determine whether the compound has the E or Z configuration. Ensure you visualize or draw the molecule to confirm the spatial arrangement of the substituents.

Key Concepts

E/Z Stereochemistry

E/Z stereochemistry is a system used to describe the geometric configuration of alkenes based on the priority of substituents attached to the double bond. The 'E' (from the German 'Entgegen') configuration indicates that the highest priority groups are on opposite sides of the double bond, while the 'Z' (from 'Zusammen') configuration indicates that they are on the same side. This distinction is crucial for understanding the physical and chemical properties of the compounds.

Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Priority Rules

The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules are used to assign priority to substituents attached to a double bond or chiral center. According to these rules, priority is determined by the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the double bond; higher atomic numbers receive higher priority. If the first atoms are the same, one must consider the next atoms in the substituent chain until a difference is found.

Double Bond Geometry

The geometry of a double bond is planar due to the sp² hybridization of the carbon atoms involved, which restricts rotation. This planarity is essential for determining the E/Z configuration, as the spatial arrangement of substituents around the double bond affects the compound's reactivity and interactions. Understanding this geometry is fundamental for analyzing the stereochemical properties of alkenes.