Which of the following statements about the conformers that result from rotation about the C2-C3 bond of butane is correct?
A)The highest energy conformer is one in which methyl groups are eclipsed by hydrogens.
B)The gauche conformer is an eclipsed one.
C)Steric strain is absent in the eclipsed forms.
D)Torsional strain is absent in the eclipsed forms.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest energy conformer of butane is the eclipsed conformer where the two methyl groups are directly behind each other, not when a methyl group is eclipsed by hydrogens. The gauche conformer is staggered, not eclipsed. Both steric and torsional strain are present in the eclipsed forms, contributing to their higher energy compared to staggered conformers.

Which of the Following Statements About the Conformers That Result