The discussion centers on the existence of cis and trans forms of 1,3-dibromo-1,3-dimethylcyclobutane. The distinction is clarified through the examination of 3D structures, where the trans configuration places substituents on opposite sides, while the cis configuration has them on the same side. It is noted that the molecule cannot rotate around the axis of the single bonds due to the rigidity of the cyclobutane ring, which requires breaking a bond or forcing a methyl group through the ring to interconvert between the two forms. The participants express gratitude for the clarification provided.
