Difference Between Cis and Trans

The terms "cis" and "trans" are used in various fields of science and social studies to describe different aspects of objects, molecules, and people. In chemistry, these terms are used to describe the orientation of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule, while in social studies, they are used to describe the gender identity of individuals. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between cis and trans in both chemistry and social studies.

What is Cis?

The prefix “cis” is derived from Latin. It means “on the same side”. In the cis isomer, the substituent groups are placed on one side of a double bond plane or a non-aromatic cycle.

Cis and trans isomers differ in their physical properties, due to the inequality in the overall dipole moment and the molecules’ shape.

The relative boiling point is being determined by the polarity. It causes increased intermolecular forces, which results in an increase of the boiling point. The cis isomers, which are more polar than the trans isomers, have a higher boiling point. The difference can be small, as it is in the alkenes with straight chain. Larger difference is observed in substances with polar bonds. Example for such substance is the 1,2-dichloroethene. The boiling point of its cis isomer is 60.3 °C, and of its trans isomer – with 12.8 °C lower. The reason for the difference is that in the cis isomer the two C-Cl polar bonds’ dipole moments couple and produce an overall molecular dipole. As a result, there occurs intermolecular dipole–dipole forces, which raise the boiling point.

The symmetry allows for better packing of the solid substances. As a result of the different symmetry of the molecules, the cis and trans isomers differ in their melting points. The cis isomers, which are less symmetrical, have a lower melting point, compared to the trans isomers.

What is Trans?

The prefix “trans” is derived from Latin. It means “on opposing sides”. In the trans isomer, the substituent groups are placed on different sides of a double bond plane or a non-aromatic cycle.

The boiling point of the trans isomers is lower than in the cis isomers. The difference is more significant in substances with polar bonds. In the trans isomer of 1,2-dichloroethene, the two C−Cl bond moments cancel each other and the molecule has a net zero dipole. As a result, there are no intermolecular dipole–dipole forces, which decrease the boiling point.

The symmetry of the molecules is the key in the determination of the melting point, due to the better packing of the solid substances. Examples of this are the oleic acid (cis isomer) and elaidic acid (trans isomer). The cis isomer’s melting point is 13.4 °C, the trans isomer melts at 43 °C. The reason for this is that the trans isomer is straighter, packs better, and hence – having a much higher melting point.

The trans isomers have lower densities than their cis counterparts. In acyclic systems, trans isomers are more stable than cis isomers. In general, cis isomers have higher solubility in inert solvents.

The prefix “trans” is derived from Latin. It means “on opposing sides”. In the trans isomer, the substituent groups are placed on different sides of a double bond plane or a non-aromatic cycle.

The boiling point of the trans isomers is lower than in the cis isomers. The difference is more significant in substances with polar bonds. In the trans isomer of 1,2-dichloroethene, the two C−Cl bond moments cancel each other and the molecule has a net zero dipole. As a result, there are no intermolecular dipole–dipole forces, which decrease the boiling point.

The symmetry of the molecules is the key in the determination of the melting point, due to the better packing of the solid substances. Examples of this are the oleic acid (cis isomer) and elaidic acid (trans isomer). The cis isomer’s melting point is 13.4 °C, the trans isomer melts at 43 °C. The reason for this is that the trans isomer is straighter, packs better, and hence – having a much higher melting point.

The trans isomers have lower densities than their cis counterparts. In acyclic systems, trans isomers are more stable than cis isomers. In general, cis isomers have higher solubility in inert solvents.

Differences: Cis and Trans

In chemistry, the terms "cis" and "trans" are used to describe the orientation of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule with respect to each other. This orientation can affect the physical and chemical properties of the molecule, such as its boiling point, melting point, and reactivity. The orientation of the atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule can be determined by the presence of a double bond, which can be either a cis or trans configuration.

Cis and trans refer to the arrangement of substituents on a double bond. In a cis configuration, the substituents are on the same side of the double bond, while in a trans configuration, they are on opposite sides. For example, in the molecule ethene (C2H4), there is a double bond between the two carbon atoms. In the cis configuration, the two hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bond, while in the trans configuration, the two hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond. The cis configuration is often more polar than the trans configuration due to the orientation of the substituents.

In addition to the orientation of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule, cis and trans are also used to describe the orientation of molecules in space. For example, in a cis configuration, two molecules or groups of molecules are on the same side of a plane, while in a trans configuration, they are on opposite sides of a plane. This orientation can affect the interactions between molecules, such as intermolecular forces and steric hindrance.

In social studies, the terms "cis" and "trans" are used to describe the gender identity of individuals. Gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of being male, female, or something else. Cisgender (often shortened to "cis") refers to individuals whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth, while transgender (often shortened to "trans") refers to individuals whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.

The concept of cisgender is often used in discussions of privilege and oppression related to gender identity. Cisgender individuals may have certain privileges or advantages over transgender individuals, such as not experiencing discrimination or violence based on their gender identity.

Transgender individuals may face a range of challenges related to their gender identity, including discrimination, harassment, and violence. In recent years, there has been increased awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals and their experiences, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity.

The following table highlights the major differences between Cis and Trans −

Characteristics	Cis	Trans
Definition	The prefix “cis” is derived from Latin. It means “on the same side”. In the cis isomer, the substituent groups are placed on one side of a double bond plane or a non-aromatic cycle.	The prefix “trans” is derived from Latin. It means “on opposing sides”. In the trans isomer, the substituent groups are placed on different sides of a double bond plane or a non-aromatic cycle.
Polarity and boiling poin	Cis: The polarity causes increased intermolecular forces, which result in an increase of the boiling point. The cis isomers, which are more polar than the trans isomers, have a higher boiling point.	Trans: The trans isomers are less polar and have a lower boiling point than the cis isomers. The difference is more significant in substances with polar bonds.
Symmetry and melting point	Cis: The cis isomers are less symmetrical and have a lower melting point, compared to the trans isomers.	Trans: The trans isomers have higher symmetry and a higher melting point, compared to the cis isomers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the terms "cis" and "trans" are used in different fields to describe different aspects of objects, molecules, and people. In chemistry, these terms refer to the orientation of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule, while in social studies, they refer to the gender identity of individuals.