There is only one compound that is named 1,2 -dichloroethane, but there are two distinct compounds that can be named \(1,2-\) dichloroethene. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The presence of a double bond in 1,2-dichloroethene allows it to exist in two different geometric forms: cis and trans isomers. These different spatial arrangements result in two distinct compounds with unique properties. On the other hand, 1,2-dichloroethane does not have any geometric isomer or conformer due to the absence of a double bond. Therefore, there is only one compound named 1,2-dichloroethane but two distinct compounds that can be named 1,2-dichloroethene.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the structure of 1,2-dichloroethane

The chemical formula for 1,2-dichloroethane is C2H4Cl2. The compound has two carbon (C) atoms, four hydrogen (H) atoms, and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. In the chemical structure, the two carbon atoms are bonded to each other with a single bond, and each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom. Since the compound has only one type of arrangement, there is only one isomer or conformer, and thus, there is only one compound named 1,2-dichloroethane.
02

Understand the structure of 1,2-dichloroethene

The chemical formula for 1,2-dichloroethene is C2H2Cl2. The compound has two carbon (C) atoms, two hydrogen (H) atoms, and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. In the chemical structure, the two carbon atoms are bonded to each other with a double bond, and each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom and one chlorine atom. The presence of the double bond between carbon atoms makes it possible to have two distinct geometric arrangements for the compound, known as cis and trans isomers or conformers.
03

Understand the difference between cis and trans isomers in 1,2-dichloroethene

The cis and trans isomers in 1,2-dichloroethene have different spatial arrangements of their atoms. In the cis isomer, the two chlorine atoms are on the same side of the double bond, whereas in the trans isomer, the chlorine atoms are on opposite sides. This difference in spatial arrangement results in two distinct compounds with different physical and chemical properties.
04

Conclude why there are two distinct compounds for 1,2-dichloroethene and only one for 1,2-dichloroethane

The presence of a double bond in 1,2-dichloroethene allows it to exist in two different geometric forms: cis and trans isomers. These different spatial arrangements result in two distinct compounds with unique properties. On the other hand, 1,2-dichloroethane does not have any geometric isomer or conformer due to the absence of a double bond. Therefore, there is only one compound named 1,2-dichloroethane but two distinct compounds that can be named 1,2-dichloroethene.

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