All conformations of trans-cyclooctene are chiral (specifically, what some call planar-chiral[6]) and the enantiomers can be separated.[7][8][9] In theory, conversion of between the enantiomers can be done, without breaking any bonds, by twisting the whole –CH=CH– group, rigidly, by 180 degrees. However, that entails passing one of its hydrogens through the crowded ring.[7]