Draw the cis and trans structures of hex-2-ene. Which isomer will have higher b.p. and why?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Hex-2-ene is represented by the following structure:-

H₃C — HC = CH — CH₂ — CH₃

The geometrical isomers of hex-2-ene are:

The dipole moment of cis-compound is actually the sum of the dipole moments of the C–CH₃ and C–CH₂CH₃ bonds acting in together in the same direction.

The dipole moment of trans-compound is the resultant of the dipole moments of C–CH₃ and C–CH₂CH₃ bonds acting in opposite directions.

Hence, cis-isomer is more polar than trans-isomer.

Now, the higher the polarity, the greater is the intermolecular dipole-dipole interaction in between and the higher will be the boiling point.

Hence, the cis-isomer will have a higher boiling point than trans-isomer.