Question

What methods could be used to distinguish between a Cis and Trans isomer of a complex.

Answer 1

We know that isomers are the chemical compounds that have identical chemical formulas but they differ in their arrangements of atoms in the molecules and their properties. Cis and Tans is one of the type of isomerism.

Complete answer:
Let’s first understand about isomerism and its types.
Isomers are the chemical compounds which have the same chemical formula but they differ in their structures and this phenomenon is known as isomerism.
There are two types of isomerism i.e. structural isomerism and stereoisomerism.
Structural isomerism are further categorized into different subparts i.e. chain isomerism, position isomerism, functional isomerism, ring chain isomerism, metamerism and tautomerism.
Whereas, Stereoisomerism are further categorized into two subparts i.e. Geometrical and optical isomerism.
Cis and Trans isomerism are the geometrical isomerism or we can say that geometrical isomerism are popularly known as cis and trans isomerism.
Cis isomers are the isomers in which two similar atoms lie on the same side of the double bond in the molecule. On the other hand, trans isomers in which two similar atoms lie on the opposite side of the double bond in the molecule.
Therefore, the method used to distinguish between a cis and trans isomers is that if the two group are present on the same side of the double bond in the molecule are the cis isomers. If the two groups are present on the opposite side of the double bond are the trans isomers.

Note:
Also, Cis and trans isomers are different from each other in terms of stability due to the relationship of each major substituents of considered with respect to other. Remember, cis isomers are always polar whereas trans isomers are not very polar. They are nonpolar molecules.