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Configurations of Ethane Molecule

Ethane C2H6

Hello students, welcome to my new blog on Stereo Chemistry, in this blog we will see about Ethane molecule and its configurations. Ethane molecule's chemical formula is C2H6. There is one sigma bond present between 2 carbon atoms and equal number of Hydrogen atoms attached to them. Ethane molecule generally shows 3 types of configurations:
  • Saw-Horse formula
  • Line-Wedge formula
  • Newmann's projection formula

Saw-Horse Formula

In saw horse formula both carbons are placed diagonally. All bonds in molecule are shown by solid stick. The bond angle between 2 Hydrogen atoms of same carbon is 120degree. In saw horse formula 2 conformations are possible:

  1. Eclipsed Configuration.
  2. Staggered Configuration.
In above diagram the left structure is eclipsed configuration and right hand side configuration is staggered. Here point to be noted is that, Staggered configuration is more stable than eclipsed configuration due to less steric hinderance. Now move towards next configuration i.e. Line-Wedge Formula.

Line-Wedge Formula

In Line Wedge formula the view of molecule taken from side of C-C bond. In line wedge formula the dotted line indicates group is present below plane. Solid line indicates group is present on the plane & the Wedge line indicates group is above the plane.

Newmann's Projection formula

In newmann's projection formula carbon atoms are shown by circle. The bond angle between Hydrogen atoms of same carbons is 120degree. The front carbon atom hides second carbon atom. There are also two possible conformations in Newmann's projection formula:

  1. Eclipsed Configuration.
  2. Staggered Configuration.
In Eclipsed configuration the dihedral angles are 0 degree, 120 degree, 240 degree. Eclipsed is less stable. But in case of staggered configuration dihedral angles are 60 degree, 180 degree, 300 degree. Staggered is more stable.

In closing...

So finally in this blog we learnt about possible configurations of ethane molecule. Staggered is most stable configuration of Ethane. If you have any doubt or query free to mail me at nehalijaiswal1806@gmail.com.
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