CHAPTER 8: Question 3

 

Simple Answers

The cis isomer will be more stable than the trans isomer since it allows both substituents to adopt pseudo-equatorial positions. If however, the cyclobutane ring were planar then the trans isomer would be more stable since it would allow the two substituents to be further away from one another and so reduce the non-bonding interaction between them.

The reaction occurs because the thermodyanamically less stable trans isomer is being converted into the thermodynamically more stable cis isomer.
 

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