Staggered and eclipsed conformers of ethane are :

Options

A. Polymers
B. Rotamers
C. Enantiomers
D. Mirror images

Answer

To determine the staggered and eclipsed conformers of ethane, we need to understand the molecular structure and the concept of conformers.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ethane Structure**:
Ethane (C2H6) consists of two carbon atoms (C) bonded to each other, with three hydrogen atoms (H) attached to each carbon. The molecular formula is CH3-CH3.

2. **Defining Conformers**:
Conformers are different spatial arrangements of the same molecule that can be interconverted by rotation around single bonds. In ethane, the rotation around the C-C bond leads to different conformers.

3. **Eclipsed Conformer**:
- In the eclipsed conformer, the hydrogen atoms on the front carbon are aligned directly with the hydrogen atoms on the back carbon.
- This arrangement leads to torsional strain due to the repulsion between the electron clouds of the overlapping hydrogen atoms.
- The dihedral angle (θ) between the hydrogen atoms in the eclipsed form is 0 degrees.

4. **Staggered Conformer**:
- In the staggered conformer, the hydrogen atoms on the front carbon are positioned between the hydrogen atoms on the back carbon, minimizing steric hindrance.
- This arrangement is more stable than the eclipsed form because it reduces torsional strain.
- The dihedral angle (θ) between the hydrogen atoms in the staggered form is 60 degrees.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The staggered conformer is more stable due to less steric hindrance and torsional strain.
- The eclipsed conformer is less stable due to increased steric hindrance and torsional strain.

### Final Answer:
- The staggered conformer has a dihedral angle of 60 degrees, while the eclipsed conformer has a dihedral angle of 0 degrees.