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What are conformations?Please tell me how questions can come in exam regarding this topic |
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Answer» The different 3-D shapes a molecule can turn itself into through rotation are calledconformational isomers.They’re the same molecule, but in different shapes. Remember that opposite charges attract, like charges repel? Here’s two “conformations” of ethane, C2H6. In the “conformation” on the left, the bonds on the adjacent carbon atoms are closer together than they are in the “conformation” on the right. Electrons don’t like each other’s company! (like charges repel). Since the bonds in the conformation on the right are farther apart, it is also more stable. What this means is that the molecule on the left feels strain, which can be relieved through rotation of the C-C bond by 60 degrees. (a common term for this is “torsional strain”.)Like when you take a spring, and you twist it – there is a tension that arises there – it wants to twist back to its original state. |
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