Eclipsed conformation

Definition

In organic chemistry, an eclipsed conformation occurs when atoms or groups attached to adjacent carbons are aligned with each other, maximizing their overlap as viewed along the bond axis between the two carbons. This alignment results in higher torsional strain due to the repulsion between electron clouds of these atoms or groups.

Related terms

Staggered Conformation:

This is a more energetically favorable arrangement of atoms around a carbon-carbon bond where atoms or groups are positioned at maximum distance from each other, minimizing repulsion.

Torsional Strain:

A type of strain experienced by molecules due to the repulsion between electrons in bonds that are not optimally positioned relative to each other, often seen in eclipsed conformations.

Gauche Interaction:

A specific type of steric interaction observed when two substituents on adjacent carbons are 60 degrees apart from each other in a staggered conformation, leading to some degree of repulsion but less than that in an eclipsed conformation