Determine the total number of geometrical isomers possible for the following two polyenes: (I) C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH₃ (II) C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH=CH-C₆H₅

Step-by-step solution

For compound (I): C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH₃ The number of double bonds capable of showing geometrical isomerism is n = 3 . Since the terminal groups are different ( C₆H₅ and CH₃ ), the molecule is unsymmetrical. The number of geometrical isomers is given by 2^n . Substituting n = 3 , the number of geometrical isomers is 2^3 = 8 . For compound (II): C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH=CH-C₆H₅ The number of double bonds capable of showing geometrical isomerism is n = 2 . Since the terminal groups are identical ( C₆H₅ ), the molecule is s