What is the difference between E-Z isomers and optical isomers?

E-Z isomers (aka geometric or cis-trans isomers) and optical isomers are both examples of stereoisomers, two or more compounds with the same structural formula but with bonds that are arranged differently in space. E-Z isomers have different substitutes at each end of their double bond. As the double bond cannot rotate the substituents are locked in place. For example E - 1,2 dibromoethene and Z- 1,2 dibromoethene differ in the placement of the hydrogen and bromine atoms. Optical isomers (aka enantiomers) are molecules that are mirror images of each other that are non identical and cannot be superimposed.

JM

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the boiling point of water significantly greater than that of other group 6 (16) hydrides?


What reaction occurs when benzene is mixed with equal amounts of sulphuric and nitric acid?


You added 75cm^3 of 0.5moldm^-3 HCl to impure MgCO2, and some was left unreacted. The unreacted HCl reacted completely with 21.6cm^m of 0.5moldm^-3 NaOH. So what is the percentage purity of the MgCO3 sample?


Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of AsH3