3D lab · Hydrocarbons

Conformations of Ethane and Butane (Newman, 3D)

Rotate around the C–C bond of ethane and butane in 3D and read the torsional energy of staggered, eclipsed, gauche and anti forms.

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Direct answer

Rotate around the C–C bond of ethane and butane in 3D and read the torsional energy of staggered, eclipsed, gauche and anti forms.

Look straight down the C–C bond to get the Newman projection. The graph marks where you are on the torsional energy curve.

Simulation

Hydrocarbons

Molecule n-Butane

Dihedral angle (°) 180°

Drag to rotate, two fingers or right-drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom. The toolbar has views, cutaway, measure and “show the maths”.

What's happening? Look straight down the C–C bond to get the Newman projection. The graph marks where you are on the torsional energy curve.

Learn more

Where it is in NCERT: Class 11 Chemistry Part II, “Hydrocarbons” (Classification of Hydrocarbons, Alkanes - Preparation and Properties, Alkenes - Structure and Preparation, Alkynes - Acidic Character and Addition Reactions) · ncert.nic.in
Topic notes and formulas: Hydrocarbons
Printable formula sheet
Chapter-wise JEE Main PYQs (11)

Full lecture: HYDROCARBON in One Shot: All Concepts & PYQs Covered | JEE Main & Advanced — JEE Wallah
Other trusted simulations: ChemTube3D: stereochemistry (University of Liverpool) · Build a Molecule (PhET, University of Colorado)

FAQs

Which conformation of butane is most stable?

Anti (180°), with the two methyl groups as far apart as possible.

Why can't ethane conformers be separated?

The rotation barrier is only about 12.5 kJ/mol, so they interconvert rapidly at room temperature.