We have learned that a Newman projection represents a molecule looking from a specified direction and a given bond. Therefore, a molecule can have multiple Newman projections depending on this bond and the direction we are looking from. For example, … Read more
Although quite similar and often used interchangeably, steric and torsional interactions have different definitions. Sterics or steric interactions are the obstructions caused by the size of neighboring groups and atoms. In other words, it is simply two or more atoms/groups getting in each … Read more
Conformational analysis is the study of the relative stabilities of different conformations of a molecule. Recall that conformations or conformers are different spatial arrangements of atoms in the molecule, which are achieved as a result of rotations about single (σ) bonds. … Read more
Gauche conformation is a staggered conformation, and the name is associated with gauche interactions between methyl or other alkyl groups at a 60-dihedral angle. As a general representation, compare it with the anti conformation where the large groups are at 180o:  … Read more
Newman Projections of Butane Let’s start today’s discussion with the definition of a conformation. The different spatial arrangements of the atoms that result from rotation about a single bond are called conformers or conformational isomers.To illustrate the conformations of butane, we need to … Read more
In the previous post, we talked about the staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane, and saw that these are the least and most stable conformations that differ by a 12 kJ/mol rotation barrier: Â Â The staggered conformation is the … Read more
From General Chemistry and earlier chapters of Organic Chemistry, we know that C-C single bonds are formed by a linear overlap of sp3 orbitals. As an example, let’s recall how each carbon in ethane provides one sp3 orbital to form … Read more
Recall, from General Chemistry, that some reactions such as the combustion of methane, ethane, or propane where the molecules were given by their formulas (CH4, C2H6, C3H8). This is how we work with molecules at the beginning of general chemistry … Read more
Back in general chemistry, you have encountered organic molecules which were shown either by a formula or a 2-D structure where all the atoms were shown in the same plane. For example, methane, ethane, propane, and even complex molecules such … Read more
By experimental methods, which we’ll discuss later, it has been shown that cycloalkanes are generally less stable than their corresponding alkanes. More accurately, the comparison was made between a cycloalkane and the equivalent number of CH2 groups. Recall that cycloalkanes … Read more
