Question

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

• A. The staggered conformation of ethane is less stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has torsional strain.
• B. The eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation, because eclipsed conformation has no torsional strain.
• C. The eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation even though the eclipsed conformation has torsional strain.
• D. The staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation. Since eclipsed conformation has a greater potential energy due to torsional strain, it is less stable than the staggered conformation.