Question

How many different isomers can be derived from ethylene if two hydrogen atoms are replaced by a fl uorine atom and a chlorine atom? draw their structures and name them. indicate which are structural isomers and which are geometric isomers?

Answer 1

Answer:
             THREE different isomers can be derived from ethylene if two hydrogen atoms are replaced by a fl uorine atom and a chlorine atom.

Explanation:
                   When two Hydrogen atoms in ethylene (C₂H₄) are replaced with Fluorine and Chlorine atom then the new molecular formula is C₂H₂FCl.
                    Compounds having same Molecular formula but different structural formula are called as Isomers.
                     First Isomer of C₂H₂FCl is 1-chloro-1-fluoroethene, in which F and Cl at geminal position (attached to same Carbon atom).
                     Other two Isomers are Geometrical Isomers of 1-chloro-2-fluoroethene, in which F and Cl at different carbon atom and having different position is space. The one in which both F and Cl at opposite side forms (trans)-1-chloro-2-fluoroethene and the one in which both are in same side is called as (cis)-1-chloro-2-fluoroethene.