Including cis-trans isomers, how many stereoisomers are possible for an alkene that has the molecular formula C₄H₈?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a molecule with the formula C4H8, which is an alkene, the number of stereoisomers includes both geometric (cis-trans) isomers and any chiral centers that might exist. However, in simple alkenes like this, without any chiral centers, the focus is on cis-trans isomerism. For a simple alkene with one double bond, there can be two geometric isomers (cis and trans) if the double bond is disubstituted with different groups. However, considering the possibility of more complex structures with multiple double bonds or substituents that can lead to stereoisomerism, the number of stereoisomers can increase. For C4H8, the maximum number of stereoisomers considering only one double bond and no chiral centers would be 2, but with additional structural complexity, such as different arrangements of the carbon chain or substituents leading to different geometric isomers, the number can be higher. The correct answer, considering the molecular formula provided, which seems to be a typographical representation rather than a standard chemical formula, and interpreting the question as referring to a simple alkene with potential for cis-trans isomerism, would be 4, acknowledging the potential for different structural isomers that could exist beyond the basic cis-trans categorization.

Including Cis-Trans Isomers, How Many Stereoisomers Are Possible for an Alkene