Conformational isomerism: ethane, butane, cyclohexane
Isomerism and Stereochemistry · Chemistry
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Study notes
Why is staggered ethane more stable than eclipsed? Step 1: Eclipsed: C–H bonds aligned → electron repulsion (torsional strain). Step 2: Staggered: bonds 60° apart → minimal repulsion. Step 3: Energy difference ~12 kJ/mol — the rotation barrier. Step 4: At room temperature rotation is fast (10¹⁰/s) — conformers interconvert, not isolable!