Learning Objective: To study the role of solvents in conformational isomerism.
Skill Level - Intermediate
Prerequisites:
- Nature of polar and nonpolar solvent
 - Molecular dipole moment
 
Chapter: Stereochemistry
Sub-topic: Conformational Isomerism
Author's Note: Molecules gain significant rotational freedom in a solution than in a solid state. This allows them to exhibit more than one conformation that may impact reactivity. So, tweaking the solvent medium may offer a gateway into more percentage of obtaining a desired stable conformation conducive to reactions.
Role of Solvents in Conformations
Solvents offer rotational freedom and exert a powerful effect on the conformers. For example, a compound 2,3-dinitro-2,3-dimehylbutane exists in the gauche conformation in the solid state. However, in benzene solvent....
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Such a shift in conformations can be due to the stabilization of the conformer by the solvent polarity. For example, a polar solvent like water...
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