What Are the Cis and Trans Names for 2-Butene?

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SUMMARY

The compound CH3CH=CHCH3 is identified as 2-butene, with its cis and trans isomers specifically named cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. The cis isomer features both methyl (CH3) groups on the same side of the double bond, while the trans isomer has the methyl groups on opposite sides. The correct nomenclature emphasizes the position of the double bond, using "2-butene" rather than splitting it into "but-2-ene". This terminology aligns with standard chemical naming conventions taught in chemistry courses.

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Homework Statement



CH3CH=CHCH3
What's the cis and trans structure name for this formula?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've drew the ciis and trans structure

H\ /H
C = C
/ \
CH3 CH3
this is the cis

the tran is similar to the cis except the H and CH3 is at the top, CH3 and H is at the bottom of the double bonded C. I'm not sure what's the name of it. i know there's four carbon, so butane is usually what we say it is, but it has a double bond so its butene.
So is it cis-butene and trans-butene? I'm not really sure. please help..thank you in advance.
 
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We use the terms cis-but-2-ene (best be clear where the double bond is) and trans-but-2-ene in my chem classes, so I think they're fine.
 
Best to use the common nomenclature for this compound. Don't split up the word 'butene' as 'but-2-ene'. Use '2-butene'.
 

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