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Topic: Alkanes: conformations, halogenation mechanism· Hydrocarbons

The correct statement regarding the comparison of staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane, is :

1. The staggered conformation of ethane is less stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has torsional strain.

2. The eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation, because eclipsed conformation has no torsional strain.

3. The eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation even though the eclipsed conformation has torsional strain.

4. The staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain.

1 answer

Best answer

Answer: 4. The staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain.

Key idea: in the staggered form, C-H bonds on the two carbons are as far apart as possible, so there is no torsional strain. In the eclipsed form, the bond pairs are close and repel, causing torsional strain (about 12 kJ/mol).

So the staggered conformation is more stable because it has no torsional strain, option 4. Options 1-3 reverse the stability or the strain.

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report
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