Cis-2-butene represents an intriguing example of geometric isomerism in organic chemistry, existing as a colorless gas at room temperature with a molecular formula of C₄H₈. What makes this molecule particularly fascinating is its specific spatial arrangement – it has a double bond between the second and third carbons (hence the “2” in its name), with two methyl groups (-CH₃) positioned on the same side of this double bond (which is what “cis” refers to). This arrangement occurs because the double bond prevents free rotation, effectively freezing the molecule’s geometry in this specific configuration. Like a molecular mirror image, cis-2-butene has a trans isomer where the methyl groups are on opposite sides of the double bond, and these two forms exhibit notably different physical properties despite having identical molecular formulas – the cis form, for instance, has a higher boiling point due to slightly stronger intermolecular forces.
In industrial settings, cis-2-butene serves as a valuable starting material for various chemical syntheses and plays a role in the production of polymers, though its flammability and reactivity require careful handling in manufacturing processes.
2
99%
CP
SG C2BCP-
2.5
99.5%
INS
SG C2BINS-
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