Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
The eclipsed form of ethane lies above the staggered form. Take .
Find the relative number of molecules in the eclipsed form, compared with the staggered form, at and at . Give each as a percentage. Count one form of each kind.
A single bond turns, so a molecule has conformations. The relative number of molecules in a form of energy above the lowest is . For butane about the C2-C3 bond: anti , gauche , eclipsed , fully eclipsed . Eclipsing costs: H with H , H with , with .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. At . . So , which is .
Step 2. At . . So , which is .
Answer: and . A higher temperature makes the high-energy form more common, but it stays rare.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…