I'm looking at a question that is asking me to predict the 'relative stereochemistry' and 'draw the predicted structures' for cinnamic acid, cis-stillbene and trans-stillbene.

 

My knowledge on stereochemistry is somewhat limited, as I just learned it this week. Could someone explain the solution to the problem for me please. I'm quite confused..

okay, you know that stereochemistry concerns a point or bond in the molecule which has 4 groups(different) attached to it. it basically wants you to draw out all the possible variations.

/\ the question isn't to draw out all possible variations, it points to predicting the relative stability, looking up stilbene there's 2 phynls that are attached at the benzylic position and double bonded, of course the trans isomer will be most stable

also in addition to realtive stabilities you have to look at possibilities of R,s configurations, enantiomers, and meso compounds