Cis Conformation Lab Report

For this experiment, stereochemistry was observed by analyzing both the isomerization of dimethyl maleate and carvones. The dimethyl maleate is formed by two methyl ester groups that are connected by an alkene. They are in a cis-conformation meaning they are on the same side of the alkene, therefore the esters are close to one another. This conformation is strained and sterically hindered due to electrons repelling each other and are enantiomers of one another. With the use of radical chemistry, the cis conformation can be changed into a trans configuration where the esters are on opposite sides of one another. Through the isomerization reaction, the dimethyl maleate’s double bond broke and was formed into a single bond by inputting energy, light. It takes approximately 70-80 kcal/mol of energy to break the bond. This structure was then dimethyl fumarate. The cis and trans isomers are diastereomers of one another. Therefore, in this experiment the product was determined by assessing the melting points of the compound and comparing it to the known value.
Isomers are a molecule that contains the same molecular formula as another molecule but differs in their chemical

Then test tubes A and C contained bromine. Test tube A was placed under the light and test tube C was placed in the dark. After the reactions occurred, test tube A was the only test tube that contained a white solid and was vacuum filtered. It was then washed with DCM and the leftover substance was the product. Capillary tubes were then obtained and filled with the solid product. The Mel-Temp was then used which determined the melting temperature of the precipitate and it also confirmed the isomerization of dimethyl maleate into dimethyl fumarate which are diastereomers. At the end of the isomerization reaction, cyclohexane was used to get rid of the residual bromine before disposing of the