🥼organic chemistry review

Cis–trans isomers

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Cis–trans isomers are types of stereoisomers where the same atoms or groups of atoms are positioned differently around a rigid structure, such as a double bond or a ring system, in cycloalkanes. In cis isomers, these groups are on the same side; in trans isomers, they are on opposite sides.