what is the difference between cis-trans and enantiomers

Question

anonymous · Answer

< http://research.cm.utexas.edu/nbauld/teach/stereo.html > I think this has the info you need. (: Hope that helps.

aaronq · Answer

these only happen in molecules with double bonds. To avoid ambiguity when prioritizing a molecule, the prefixes cis- and trans- are used.

The difference is in the arrangement of the ligands, cis are where the atoms/groups with greater priority (larger molecular mass) on the same side of the double bond and trans are when they are transverse or opposite. 

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aaronq · Answer

Enantiomers are molecules with the same amount of atoms which cannot be superimposed on top of each other and so they are mirror images, and so, they are only different in the arrangement of the ligands.
Each molecule of a pair of enantiomers also rotates a plane of polarized light by equal but opposite magnitude (angles).
Each enantiomers can be prioritized, using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system, by decreasing molecular mass. These are labelled R (rectus) when clockwise and S (sinister) counterclockwise. The pictures below assume the molecular mass of A>C>D.
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