Stereoisomers have different spatial arrangements of atoms.

Stereoisomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in their three-dimensional arrangement of atoms.

These isomers typically occur in alkenes where each of the carbon atoms in the double bond has two different groups attached.

For example, the stereoisomers of but-2-ene are shown below:

The E-Z system classifies stereoisomers in alkenes

Alkene stereoisomers can be classified into two types:

• Z-isomer - Groups of interest are on the same side of the double bond.
• E-isomer - Groups of interest are positioned across from each other on opposite sides of the double bond.

Explanation:

• "Z" stands for Zusammen, a German word meaning “together”.
• "E" stands for Entgegen, a German word meaning “opposite”.

The Z- and E- stereoisomers of but-2-ene are shown below:

Assigning E-Z configuration using Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules

The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) rules help in assigning the E-Z configuration to alkenes.

Step 1 - Priority ranking

Assign priority to the groups attached to each of the double-bonded carbons based on the atomic number. The group with the highest atomic number receives the highest priority.

Step 2 - Assign E-Z configuration

With priorities set, label the stereoisomer with the highest-ranking groups across the C=C bond as the E-isomer. The stereoisomer with the highest-ranking groups on the same side of the bond is the Z-isomer.

Special cases:

1. If the attached atoms are of the same atomic number, the priority is determined by considering the next atom in the chain.
2. In alkenes with only three distinct groups, priority is based on the positions of the highest-priority atoms alone.

Worked example 1 - Assigning E-Z configurations

Assign an E-Z configuration to the stereoisomer of 1-bromo-2-chloroethene shown below.

Step 1: Priority ranking

• On the left side of the double bond, compare the Br atom with the H atom. Bromine (Br) has a higher atomic number than hydrogen (H), so Br gets higher priority.
• On the right side of the double bond, compare the Cl atom with the H atom. Chlorine (Cl) has a higher atomic number than hydrogen (H), so Cl gets higher priority.

Step 2: Assign E-Z configuration

• With Br and Cl as the highest priority groups, we check their positions.
• Since the high-priority groups (Br and Cl) are on the same side of the double bond, this molecule is assigned the Z-configuration.

Worked example 2 - Assigning E-Z configurations

Assign an E-Z configuration to the stereoisomer of 1-bromo-1-fluoro-2-methylbut-1-ene shown below.

Step 1: Priority ranking

• On the left side of the double bond, compare the Br atom with the F atom. Bromine (Br) has a higher atomic number than fluorine (F), so Br gets higher priority.
• On the right side of the double bond, compare the methyl (CH₃) group with the ethyl (CH₂CH₃) group. The methyl carbon is attached only to hydrogen atoms whereas the ethyl carbon is bonded to another carbon. Carbon (C) has a higher atomic number than hydrogen (H), so CH₂CH₃ gets higher priority.

Step 2: Assign E-Z configuration

• With Br and CH₂CH₃ as the highest priority groups, we check their positions.
• Since the high-priority groups (Br and CH₂CH₃) are on opposite sides of the double bond, this molecule is assigned the E-configuration.

The cis-trans system applies when groups are identical

The cis-trans naming system is an alternative to the E-Z system for E-Z stereoisomers, applicable when at least one of the groups attached to the double-bonded carbons is identical.

• Cis - Identical groups are on the same side.
• Trans - Identical groups are on opposite sides.

Thus, Z-but-2-ene equates to cis-but-2-ene, and E-but-2-ene to trans-but-2-ene.

Note: The cis/trans system is not applicable when the groups attached to the double-bonded carbons are completely different.