ciscrotonic

Ciscrotonic acid, also known as (Z)-but-2-enoic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O2. It is one of the two geometric isomers of crotonic acid, the other being transcrotonic acid. The "cis" designation refers to the relative positions of the two hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon-carbon double bond; they are on the same side of the double bond.

This unsaturated carboxylic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a characteristic odor. Ciscrotonic acid is soluble in water and common organic solvents like ethanol and ether.

The compound can be prepared through various chemical reactions, including the isomerization of transcrotonic acid under specific conditions. It also occurs naturally in some biological systems, though often in trace amounts.

Ciscrotonic acid has found limited applications. Historically, it has been used as a reagent in organic synthesis. Research has explored its potential in pharmaceutical development and as a component in certain polymers. Its isomer, transcrotonic acid, is more commonly encountered and has a wider range of known applications. The differing spatial arrangement of atoms in ciscrotonic acid compared to its trans isomer leads to distinct physical and chemical properties.