TELEEDUCATION: ETHANE CONFORMATIONS
Last Update 18/6/1998
The rotation of carbon atoms around single bonds enables different interchangeable spatial arrangements named conformations. For ethane the two conformations have a difference of 12 kJ mole-1. The high energy conformation is called eclipsed. It is represented in the figure above. The low energy conformation is called staggered. The staggered conformation can be observed if you push and drag the mouse with the cursor pointing the green square, within the red rectangle. During the complete rotation the hydrogen atoms, represented by the blue balls, repeat the conformations sequentially.
Please send your comments to: Prof. Dr. Roberto A. Müller, e-mail: rmueller@mail.ufv.br