The incorrect statement regarding conformations of ethane is:

The incorrect statement regarding conformations of ethane is:
  1. Ethane has infinite number of conformations
  2. The dihedral angle in staggered conformation is 60°
  3. Eclipsed conformation is the most stable conformation.
  4. The conformations of ethane are interconvertible to one-another

Solution

In staggered conformation arrangement, the hydrogens of the two carbon atoms are staggered with respect to one another. As a result, they are at maximum distance apart and have minimum repulsion between the hydrogen atoms attached  to the two carbon atoms.

 In eclipsed conformation, the hydrogens of one carbon atom are directly behind those of the other. Consequently, the repulsion in between these hydrogen atoms is maximum. Therefore, staggered conformation of ethane is more stable than eclipsed conformation.

Eclipsed conformation is the least stable conformation of ethane.

Asked in: JEE Main 2024 (27 Jan Shift 2)

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