[jojo]

Hey I need help on an organic chem exercise that is actually supposed to be easy, but that I can't seem to understand.

Here is the problem:




And here are the answers in the book:



I totally get how to get the trans product, you eliminate Cl- and create a double bond. By creating the double bond you also eliminate an H to give NH3.

Now what I don't understand is how to get the cis product. If someone could please help me understand that, I'd be very grateful.

Have a good day 

[Borek]

Please elaborate - what is the difference between cis and trans that makes you not understanding one reaction and understanding the other.

[jojo]

Please elaborate - what is the difference between cis and trans that makes you not understanding one reaction and understanding the other.

To get the trans product, you only need to get rid of the Cl- and add the double bond.
I feel like in order to get the cis product, you have to add another step, and it's specifically this step that I don't seem to see/understand.

[rolnor]

Does it help if you draw it this way or?

[jojo]

Does it help if you draw it this way or?

Thank you! I'm new to organic chem and it might sound stupid but I didn't know you were actually allowed to rotate a bond in order to make a reaction, sometimes it's really about the most simple details! Thanks again