cis-trans isomerism


cis-trans isomerism

[′si¦stranz ī′säm·ə‚riz·əm] (organic chemistry) A type of geometrical isomerism found in alkenic systems in which it is possible for each of the doubly bonded carbons to carry two different atoms or groups; two similar atoms or groups may be on the same side (cis) or on opposite sides (trans) of a plane bisecting the alkenic carbons and perpendicular to the plane of the alkenic system.