Question

For geometric stereoisomerism, include cis and

trans (Z and E) stereoisomers of unsaturated

fatty acids (e.g. oleic acid and elaidic acid).

Answer 1

Stereoisomerism, or spatial isomerism, is a form of isomerism in which molecules have the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms (constitution), but differ in the three-dimensional orientations of their atoms in space. This contrasts with structural isomers, which share the same molecular formula,

There are two kinds of stereoisomers: enantiomers and diastereomers. Enantiomers are mirror images, like one’s hands, and diastereomers are everything else.