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Summary
The different spatial arrangements that a molecule can adopt due to rotation
about s bonds are called conformations
and hence conformational isomers or conformers.
The study of the energy changes that occur during these rotations is
called conformational analyzis.
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 analyzis 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.
Basics
Conformational analyzis:
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