The correct three dimensional presentation of ethane is

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Answer

To determine the correct three-dimensional presentation of ethane (C2H6), we can represent it using two common projection methods: the Sawhorse projection and the Newman projection. Let's go through the steps to illustrate both forms.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Ethane**:
- Ethane has the molecular formula C2H6, which means it consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.

2. **Draw the Lewis Structure**:
- Each carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The two carbon atoms are bonded to each other with a single bond.
- The Lewis structure can be represented as:
```
H H
\ /
C - C
/ \
H H
```

3. **Sawhorse Projection**:
- In the Sawhorse projection, we represent the two carbon atoms and their attached hydrogens in a staggered and eclipsed form.
- **Eclipsed Form**:
- Both carbon atoms are aligned, and the hydrogen atoms are directly behind each other.
```
H
\
C - C
/ \
H H
```
- **Staggered Form**:
- The hydrogen atoms on one carbon are staggered relative to the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon.
```
H H
\ /
C - C
/ \
H H
```

4. **Newman Projection**:
- In the Newman projection, we view the molecule along the axis of the C-C bond.
- **Eclipsed Form**:
- The front carbon is represented as a circle, and the back carbon is behind it. The hydrogen atoms are aligned.
```
H
\
C (front)
/ \
H H
\
C (back)
/ \
H H
```
- **Staggered Form**:
- The hydrogen atoms on the front carbon are staggered relative to those on the back carbon.
```
H H
\ /
C (front)
/ \
H H
\
C (back)
/ \
H H
```

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct three-dimensional presentation of ethane can be represented in both Sawhorse and Newman projections, showing both eclipsed and staggered forms.