The relatively high energy of the gauche conformation of butane is primarily associated with_________?
Correct answer: C. Steric strain
- A. Angle strain
- B. Torsional strain
- C. Steric strain
- D. Orbital strain
Explanation
The gauche conformation of butane places the two terminal methyl groups close together, causing repulsive van der Waals interactions called steric strain. Students may choose torsional strain because rotation also changes the eclipsing interactions, but the characteristic extra energy of the gauche form is primarily from methyl-methyl steric repulsion.
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About Alkanes
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons containing only carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds, with the general formula CnH2n+2 for open chains. Their structure, isomerism, IUPAC nomenclature, physical properties, combustion, free-radical halogenation and conformations are covered, including the difference between substitution in alkanes and addition in unsaturated hydrocarbons.
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