Geometrical Isomerism in C_6H_5–CH=N–OH
Geometrical isomerism, also known as cis-trans isomerism, occurs in compounds with restricted rotation around a double bond. In the case of C_6H_5–CH=N–OH, we need to analyze the structure to determine if geometrical isomerism is possible.
Structure Analysis
- The compound C_6H_5–CH=N–OH contains a double bond between the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) atoms.
- The carbon atom (C) is bonded to a phenyl group (C_6H_5) and a hydroxyl (-OH) group, while the nitrogen atom (N) is bonded to a hydrogen atom (H).
Conditions for Geometrical Isomerism
- For geometrical isomerism to occur, each of the atoms involved in the double bond must be attached to two different groups.
- In this compound:
- The carbon atom (C) is attached to two different groups: the phenyl group (C_6H_5) and the imine group (N–OH).
- The nitrogen atom (N) is attached to a hydroxyl group (–OH) and a hydrogen atom (H).
Geometrical Isomerism Result
- Since both the carbon and nitrogen atoms in C_6H_5–CH=N–OH are bonded to different substituents, the compound can exhibit geometrical isomerism.
- The two potential isomers are:
- Cis Isomer: The hydroxyl (-OH) group and the phenyl (C_6H_5) group on the same side.
- Trans Isomer: The hydroxyl (-OH) group and the phenyl (C_6H_5) group on opposite sides.
Conclusion
- C_6H_5–CH=N–OH does indeed show geometrical isomerism due to the presence of a double bond between carbon and nitrogen, with each atom attached to different substituents.