PMDC Verified Question 17 of 83
Select the alkene showing geometrical isomerism
A
3-Methyl-1-butene
B
2,3-Dimethyl-2-butene
C
Methylcyclopentane
D
3-Methyl-2-pentene
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: 3-Methyl-2-pentene
Concept:

For an alkene to exhibit geometric (cis-trans) isomerism, both carbons of the \( \text{C=C} \) double bond must be attached to two different groups.

Solution:

  • Let's analyze the double bonds:


  • A: 3-Methyl-1-butene (\( \text{CH}_2=\text{CH-CH(CH}_3\text{)}_2 \)). Carbon-1 is attached to two identical Hydrogens. No geometric isomerism.


  • B: 2,3-Dimethyl-2-butene. Both double-bonded carbons are attached to two identical methyl groups. No geometric isomerism.


  • C: Methylcyclopentane has no double bonds (it's an alkane).


  • D: 3-Methyl-2-pentene (\( \text{CH}_3\text{-CH=C(CH}_3\text{)-CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \)). Carbon-2 is attached to H and \( \text{CH}_3 \). Carbon-3 is attached to \( \text{CH}_3 \) and \( \text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3 \). Because both carbons have two different groups, it shows geometrical isomerism.


Why other options are incorrect:

Options A and B violate the rule by having identical groups on at least one carbon of the double bond.

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