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E/Z isomerism or Cis-trans isomerism or Geometric isomerism

1. E/Z isomerism happens in alkene having C=C bond.
2. It happens due to restricted rotation of C=C bond.

E (or) trans – opposite side

Z (or) cis – same side

CH3 CH3 CH3 H

C=C C=C
H H H CH3

Z-but-2-ene E-but-2-ene

3. If there are two identical groups attached to the double-bonded carbon,

there is no E/Z isomerism.

H CH3
identical C=C
H H

4. If both C-atoms have totally different groups attached to them, the cis-
trans isomerism cannot cope. Priority Rule must be applied.
5. Look at the atoms bonded to the double bonded C-atom, the atom with
higher atomic number has the higher priority.

F CH3
C=C
Br H

E-1-bromo-1- fluoropropene
6. If two alkyl groups are attached to the double bonded C-atom, the larger
group has higher priority.
Propyl > Ethyl >Methyl

CH3CH2CH2-> CH3CH2- > CH3-