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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3hc007

Rotation about the bond of n-butane produces several conformations. The conformation of highest energy is the one in which

  1. Athe two groups are anti (dihedral angle )
  2. Bthe two groups are gauche (dihedral angle )
  3. Ceach is eclipsed with a hydrogen (dihedral angle )
  4. Dthe two groups are eclipsed (dihedral angle )

Answer: D

Torsional strain from eclipsing is largest when the two bulky methyl groups also eclipse each other, adding steric strain. The order of energy is fully eclipsed > partially eclipsed > gauche > anti, so the eclipsed form is highest.
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