Organic Chemistry: Conformations

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Terms

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Terms

Anti

A staggered conformation where two large groups are placed in their most stable positions at a dihedral angle of 180 degrees. Also refers generally to any geometrically arrangement of groups in opposing positions.
Conformation

Different 3-dimensional shapes that can be taken by a molecule by rotating about single bonds.
Dihedral angle

Angle formed between two bonds on neighboring atoms in a Newman projection.
Eclipsed

A conformation where bonds have dihedral angles of zero degrees. This typically maximizes the energy.
Gauche

A staggered conformation where large groups at a dihedral angle of 60 degrees repel each other.
Newman projection

A depiction of the conformation of a molecule where it is viewed down the atoms of a particular bond.
Staggered

A conformation where bonds have dihedral angles of sixty degrees. This typically minimizes the energy.
Steric hindrance

Repulsion between the electron clouds on bulky groups of a molecule or between molecules.
Syn

Steric hindrance between terminal methyl groups in a system of at least five carbon centers. Also a generic term describing groups oriented in the same direction; i.e. the opposite of anti.
Torsional strain

Resistance to rotation about a single bond caused by steric hindrance of eclipsing interactions.
Torsional energy

The energy it takes to overcome torsional strain, or the difference in energy between eclipsed and staggered conformations.

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