A student is studying the isomers of two compounds, X and Y.
X has the molecular formula . The student draws the structural formulae of two isomers of X, A and B.
A: B:
(a) State the type of isomerism shown by A and B, and explain why they are isomers.
(b) The student also draws two further isomers of X, C and D.
C: D:
State the type of isomerism shown by B and D, and explain why they are isomers.
(c) Compound Y is a cyclic alcohol with the molecular formula . The student suggests that Y can show both geometrical (cis/trans) isomerism and optical isomerism.
Explain why Y can show both types of stereoisomerism, and identify the structural feature of Y that gives rise to each type.