The correct statement regarding the comparison of staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane, is
- the eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation even though the eclipsed conformation has torsional strain
- the staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain
- the staggered conformation of ethane is less stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has torsional strain
- the eclipsed conformation of ethane is more stable than staggered conformation, because eclipsed conformation has no torsional strain.
Answer
(2) the staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation, because staggered conformation has no torsional strain
Solution
As per NCERT, in the staggered form of ethane the C–H bond pairs on the two carbons are as far apart as possible ⇒ minimum repulsion, minimum energy, no torsional strain.
In the eclipsed form the C–H bonds are closest ⇒ maximum repulsion ⇒ maximum torsional strain.
∴ The staggered conformation is more stable than the eclipsed one because it has no torsional strain.
Answer: (2)