Book Cover Organic Chemistry 4e Carey
Online Learning Center

Chapter 3: Conformations of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes



Summary | Key Terms | Diagrams | Simple Alkanes | Higher Alkanes | Cycloalkanes | Substituted Cyclohexanes | Polycyclic Systems | Heterocycles | Interesting Molecules | Self Assessment | Quiz |


Summary

Chapter 3: Conformations of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes


The different spatial arrangments that a molecule can adopt due to rotation about sigma bonds are called conformations and hence Rotamers or conformers.
The study of the energy changes that occur during these rotations is called conformational analysis.
This is important because the structure of a molecule can have a significant influence on the molecular properties, including dictating the outcome of a reaction. Although the ideas are developed for the simplest functional groups, the alkanes, the same principles can be expanded and applied to other functional groups.

Conformational analysis has its own language.  A list of the key terms is provided with direct links to explanations.

The ability to draw and interpret the different diagrams (wedge-dash, sawhorse, Newman) used to represent the different conformations is also important.

Analysis of:



HOME NEXT

Begin a search: Catalog | Site | Campus Rep

MHHE Home | About MHHE | Help Desk | Legal Policies and Info | Order Info | What's New | Get Involved

Copyright ©2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.

Corporate Link