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

The correct option is D The staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain.

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.