The structure of 2 - chlorobutane is shown below.
a) which newman projection below represents the lowest energy state of butane?
b)which newman projection below represents the highest energy state of butane?
a) staggered structure (i.e. the CH3 are at 180 degrees)
b) eclipsed structure (i.e. the CH3 are on the same plane)
Thanx bonjo. For others answer for a) is a and answer for b) is d.
for the answers a isnt a
a is the first choice and so on..
To determine the lowest and highest energy states of butane, we need to understand the concept of Newman projections and how they relate to the stability of molecules.
A Newman projection is a way to represent the conformation of a molecule by looking down the carbon-carbon bond axis. In a Newman projection, the carbon atoms are represented as circles, and the connecting bonds are represented by lines. The front carbon is depicted as a dot in the center, and the back carbon is shown as a circle around it.
The stability of a Newman projection depends on the torsional strain caused by the interaction between the substituents on adjacent carbon atoms. When the substituents are eclipsed (aligned), it leads to higher energy and less stability. When the substituents are staggered (offset), it results in lower energy and greater stability.
To determine the lowest and highest energy states of butane, we need to analyze the given Newman projections and identify the conformations with the least and most torsional strain.
a) The lowest energy state of butane corresponds to the staggered conformation with the least torsional strain. Look for a structure where the substituents on adjacent carbon atoms are staggered or offset. This will be the lowest energy state.
b) The highest energy state of butane corresponds to the eclipsed conformation with the most torsional strain. Look for a structure where the substituents on adjacent carbon atoms are eclipsed or aligned. This will be the highest energy state.
Without the actual Newman projections given, I can only guide you through the process of identifying the lowest and highest energy states based on the principles described above. Can you provide the specific Newman projections you have for further analysis?