Question

Which of the following is true regarding stability of eclipsed and staggered conformation?

• A. Eclipsed conformation is more stable than staggered conformation
• B. Eclipsed conformation is less stable than staggered conformation
• C. Stability of eclipsed and staggered conformations are equal
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Eclipsed conformation is less stable than staggered conformation

Option (b) is the correct answer because the dihedral angle in eclipsed conformation is $0^{\circ }$ and in staggered conformation is ${60}^{\circ }$. So, the C-H bonds are close to each other in eclipsed conformation , hence the torsoinal strain is maximum and less stable.