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Alkane Stereochemistry




  • A Staggered conformation is a Chemical Conformation that exists in any open chain single Chemical Bond connecting two sp3 Hybridised atoms as a conformational ''energy minimum''.

  • an Eclipsed conformation is a chemical conformation that exists in any open chain single chemical bond connecting two sp3 hybridised atoms as a conformational energy maximum due to steric hindrance.


In the example of staggered Ethane in Newman Projection a hydrogen atom on one carbon atom has a 60° torsional angle or '''torsion angle''' with respect to the nearest hydrogen atom on the other carbon so that Steric Hindrance is minimised. The staggered conformation is more stable by 12.5 KJ / Mole than the Eclipsed conformation which is the energy maximum for ethane. In the eclipsed conformation the torsional angle is minimized.