Chapter 7, Problem 9PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for anti-coplanar transition state of ethyl bromide being more favored over syn coplanar is to be explained by showing the Newman projection formulas.

Concept introduction:

Staggered conformation: It is the arrangement of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule resulting in a ${60}^{\circ }$ dihedral angle. It is also called anti-coplanar transition. It has low potential energy because of less torsional strain, and hence, more stable.

Eclipsed conformation: It is the arrangement of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule resulting in a $0^{\circ }$ dihedral angle. It is also called syn-planar transition. It has high potential energy because of high torsional strain, and hence, less stable.