Bluffton University

Organic Chemistry

Molecular Models:
Structure and Nomenclature
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In a similar fashion, cycloalkanes which have two substituents on the ring can have them arranged on the same face of the ring (cis) or on opposite faces (trans). Look at your model of any of the cycloalkanes discussed above, and notice that the hydrogen atoms project both above and below the "plane" of the ring. Now put two methyl groups on the ring at adjacent positions. Is what you have built cis or trans?
1,2-dimethylcyclopropane   1,2-dimethylcyclobutane
cis trans cis trans
1,2-dimethylcyclopentane   1,2-dimethylcyclohexane
cis trans cis trans
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