Chemistry - STEREO ISOMERISM Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation:

The question asks which conformation of ethane is the most stable.

Concept :

This question is based on Conformations of ethane, Torsional strain, Newman projection

Solution :

In ethane, rotation about the C–C single bond gives different conformations:

Staggered conformation:

The hydrogen atoms on one carbon are maximally separated from those on the other carbon. This

minimizes torsional strain, making it the lowest-energy and most stable conformation.

Eclipsed conformation:

Hydrogen atoms overlap, causing maximum torsional strain, so it is least stable.

Skew is an intermediate arrangement and less stable than staggered.

Thus, the most stable conformation is the staggered form.