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)