McMurry 8th Ed. (2011)
CH 3: Organic Compounds: Alkanes and Their Stereochemistry

Solutions can be seen at mendelset.com/chapters/786


  1. Problem # 320

     

    Let's perform conformational analysis on 2-methylbutane along the C2-C3 bond. We'll use the energy chart given below.

     

    First, draw out the Newman projections along the C2-C3 bond, rotating the front carbon (C-2) by 60 degrees clockwise each time while keeping the back carbon (C-3) stationary.

    According to the table above, how much energy does each conformation "cost?"

     

    Second, make a plot of the total energy value for each Newman projection versus its dihedral angle.