Newman Projection Potential Energy Diagram (Conformational Analysis) || Organic Chemistry

This video explains how we perform a conformational analysis on a given molecule and draw its potential energy diagram. A conformational analysis typically compares the stability of conformers at 60 degree intervals. To do this, it is important to recognize that an eclipsed conformer is always less stable, and therefore has higher a potential energy than a staggered conformer due to torsional (or "eclipsing") strain. Staggered conformers can also display varying degrees of steric strain, or steric hindrance, depending on if the largest groups are anti (180 degrees) or Gauche (60 degrees) relative to each other. This material is usually taught in the first semester of organic chemistry. The molecule used in this example is 2,2,4,5-tetramethylhexane.

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