Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 3 - Structure and Stereochemistry of Alkanes - Problems - Page 104: Problem 3-11

Answer

The eclipsed form has torsional energy = 15 KJ/mol (3.6 kcal/mol) Theta = $0^{\circ}$ and $120^{\circ}$ Staggered Theta = $60^{\circ}$ and $180^{\circ}$

Work Step by Step

C-H eclipsed with C-H contributes to 4.2 kJ/mol (1 kcal/mol) and C-H eclipsed with C-CH3 contributes to 5.4 KJ/mol (1.3 kcal/mol) to the torsional energy of the conformations. and since we have one C-H eclipsed with C-H and to C-H eclipsed to C-CH3 then 4.2+5.4+5.4 = 15 KJ/mol or 1+1.3+1.3 = 3.6 kcal/mol is the potential energy of the eclipsed conformations.
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