Staggered conformation

Definition

In organic chemistry, staggered conformation is a specific spatial arrangement of atoms in ethane and similar molecules where the hydrogen atoms attached to adjacent carbon atoms are as far apart as possible, minimizing repulsion between electron clouds. This arrangement results in a more stable, lower energy state for the molecule.

Related terms

Eclipsed Conformation: A less stable arrangement of atoms in a molecule where hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms align with each other, leading to increased electron repulsion.

Torsional Strain: The resistance experienced by a molecule when its atomic constituents are twisted from an equilibrium position, often encountered in eclipsed conformations.

Gauche Interaction: A type of steric strain encountered when two substituents on adjacent carbons are within 60 degrees of each other in a staggered conformation, slightly increasing the energy of the system compared to when substituents are perfectly staggered