NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Chemistry
- Chapter
- Hydrocarbons
NEET 2026 · Chemistry · Hydrocarbons
Consider the following reaction sequences and choose the correct...
Consider the following reaction sequences and choose the correct option.

Options
- A and are stereoisomers
- B and are geometrical isomers
- C and are enantiomers
- D and are geometrical isomers
Correct answer
B. and are geometrical isomers
Step-by-step solution
The given starting material is 1-phenylpropyne, .
Reduction of the alkyne with in the presence of Lindlar's catalyst ( poisoned with or quinoline) proceeds via syn-addition. This yields the cis-alkene. Therefore, is cis-1-phenylpropene.
Reduction of the alkyne with in liquid (Birch reduction conditions) proceeds via anti-addition. This yields the trans-alkene. Therefore, is trans-1-phenylpropene.
Since is the cis-isomer and is the trans-isomer of the same compound, they are geometrical isomers.
Further reactions:
Addition of to is an electrophilic addition that proceeds via the more stable benzylic carbocation (). This gives 1-bromo-1-phenylpropane as product .
Addition of to in the presence of benzoyl peroxide is a free radical addition (anti-Markovnikov). The bromine radical adds to form the more stable benzylic radical (). This gives 2-bromo-1-phenylpropane as product .
and are positional isomers (constitutional isomers), not stereoisomers.
Thus, the only correct statement is that and are geometrical isomers.
Answer: and are geometrical isomers
Reduction of the alkyne with in the presence of Lindlar's catalyst ( poisoned with or quinoline) proceeds via syn-addition. This yields the cis-alkene. Therefore, is cis-1-phenylpropene.
Reduction of the alkyne with in liquid (Birch reduction conditions) proceeds via anti-addition. This yields the trans-alkene. Therefore, is trans-1-phenylpropene.
Since is the cis-isomer and is the trans-isomer of the same compound, they are geometrical isomers.
Further reactions:
Addition of to is an electrophilic addition that proceeds via the more stable benzylic carbocation (). This gives 1-bromo-1-phenylpropane as product .
Addition of to in the presence of benzoyl peroxide is a free radical addition (anti-Markovnikov). The bromine radical adds to form the more stable benzylic radical (). This gives 2-bromo-1-phenylpropane as product .
and are positional isomers (constitutional isomers), not stereoisomers.
Thus, the only correct statement is that and are geometrical isomers.
Answer: and are geometrical isomers