The most stable conformation of n-butane is

Options

A. skew
B. eclipsed
C. staggered
D. None of these

Answer

To determine the most stable conformation of n-butane, we will analyze the different conformations: staggered, eclipsed, and skew.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding n-butane Structure**:
- n-butane has the molecular formula C4H10. It consists of a straight chain of four carbon atoms (C1, C2, C3, C4) with hydrogen atoms attached.

2. **Identifying Conformations**:
- The three main conformations of n-butane are:
- **Staggered Conformation**: In this arrangement, the hydrogen atoms (or groups) on adjacent carbon atoms are positioned as far apart as possible. This minimizes steric hindrance and torsional strain.
- **Eclipsed Conformation**: In this arrangement, the hydrogen atoms (or groups) on adjacent carbon atoms are aligned with each other. This maximizes steric hindrance and torsional strain.
- **Skew Conformation**: This is an intermediate conformation between staggered and eclipsed, where the groups are not completely aligned but still have some overlap.

3. **Drawing the Structures**:
- **Staggered**: Draw the n-butane chain with the CH3 groups on opposite sides, leading to maximum separation.
- **Eclipsed**: Draw the n-butane chain with the CH3 groups directly aligned, leading to maximum overlap.
- **Skew**: Draw the n-butane chain with CH3 groups at a 60-degree angle to each other.

4. **Analyzing Stability**:
- **Staggered Conformation**: This is the most stable conformation due to minimal steric hindrance and torsional strain.
- **Skew Conformation**: This is less stable than staggered but more stable than eclipsed.
- **Eclipsed Conformation**: This is the least stable due to maximum steric hindrance and torsional strain.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The most stable conformation of n-butane is the staggered conformation.

### Final Answer:
The most stable conformation of n-butane is the **staggered conformation**.