Question:

Which of the following exhibits geometrical isomerism?

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To identify geometrical isomers, always check if both carbons of a double bond have different groups attached.
Updated On: May 31, 2026
  • 2-Butene
  • 1-Butene
  • Propene
  • 2-Methylpropene
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

Geometrical isomerism, also known as cis-trans isomerism, occurs when alkenes have substituents that can be arranged in two different ways around the double bond. For a molecule to exhibit geometrical isomerism, it must have at least one double bond and two different groups attached to each carbon of the double bond.

Step 2: Meaning

In the context of this question, we need to identify which of the given alkenes can exist in cis-trans isomers due to having substituents on both carbons of the double bond.

Step 3: Analysis

2-Butene (A): The structure is CH3CH=CHCH3. Here, two different groups (methyl and hydrogen) are attached to each carbon of the double bond. Therefore, 2-butene can exist as cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. 1-Butene (B): The structure is H2C=CHCH2CH3. In this case, both carbons of the double bond have hydrogen atoms attached to them, which are identical. Thus, 1-butene does not exhibit geometrical isomerism. Propene (C): The structure is CH3CH=CH2. This alkene has only one carbon with a substituent (methyl) and another with a hydrogen atom. Since both carbons of the double bond do not have different groups, propene does not exhibit geometrical isomerism. 2-Methylpropene (D): The structure is CH3C(CH3)=CH2. In this case, one carbon of the double bond has a methyl group and hydrogen attached to it, while the other carbon only has a hydrogen atom. Since both carbons do not have different groups, 2-methylpropene does not exhibit geometrical isomerism.

Step 4: Conclusion

The correct answer is A) 2-Butene because it can exist in cis-trans isomers due to having two different substituents attached to each carbon of the double bond. Final Answer: (A)
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