Conformational Stability of Ethane & Butane: Which is More Stable?

The video tutorial explains the stability of ethane and butane conformations. Staggered conformations are more stable than eclipsed ones due to less repulsion between bonds. The energy difference between these conformations is termed torsional energy, which is 12 kJ/mol for ethane. In butane, anti conformation is more stable than gauche due to steric strain. Fully eclipsed conformation is the least stable due to maximum steric strain. The video also discusses energy levels of different butane conformations and their graphical representation.

What is the stability comparison between staggered and eclipsed confirmations of ethane?

Describe the factors contributing to the higher energy of eclipsed confirmation compared to staggered confirmation.

Explain the concept of torsional energy in the context of ethane confirmations.

How does the angle between bulky groups affect the potential energy in different confirmations?

What is the significance of stearic strain in the stability of different confirmations of butane?

Discuss the role of hydrogen interactions in the stability of eclipsed confirmations.

What is the energy difference between fully eclipsed and anti confirmations of butane?