Chapter 3, Problem 36P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

An approximate potential energy diagramis to be sketched for rotation about the carbon-carbon bond in $\text{2-methylbutane}$. It is to be determined if the potential energy curve more closely resembles that of ethane or butane.

Concept introduction:

The potential energy diagram shows the variation in the energy of the conformations for the different torsion angles for the rotation about the carbon-carbon bond.

When the torsion angle is approximately $\text{0°}$, the spatial relation is eclipsed.

When the torsion angle is approximately $\text{60°}$, the spatial relation is gauche.

When the torsion angle is approximately $\text{180°}$, the spatial relation is anti.