In: Chemistry
Ethane (C2H6) can rotate around the central C--C bond. When the two -CH3 groups are aligned with each other there is a repulsion between the Hydrogen atoms that results in an energy 2.0 × 10-20 Joules higher than when the Hydrogens are staggered. If the ethane molecules are at room temperature (25° C), what is the ratio of molecules that are perfectly aligned to molecules that are perfectly staggered?
When the methyl (-CH3) groups are perfectly aligned in ethane, that conformation is called eclipsed conformation. And when they are as far as possible then they are in staggered conformation.