When comparing the macroscopic physical properties of standard Cis and Trans geometrical isomers, wh — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
When comparing the macroscopic physical properties of standard Cis and Trans geometrical isomers, which isomer typically exhibits the significantly higher dipole moment, and why?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
In a trans isomer, identical groups are strictly opposite ($180^\circ$), and their individual bond dipole vectors often cancel each other out (making $\mu = 0$). In the cis isomer, the vectors add together constructively, yielding a highly polar molecule with a net resultant dipole moment ($\mu \neq 0$).
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