How can I convert the bond-line structure of 2-methylhexane to a Newman projection viewed along the C3-C4 bond?

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Jun 18, 2015

You follow a series of steps.

Explanation:

Step 1. Draw the structure of 2-methylhexane.

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Step 2. Convert to a wedge-dash structure at "C-3"C-3 and "C-4"C-4.

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Step 3. Identify the groups on "C-3"C-3 and "C-4"C-4.

The main chain of hexane is the horizontal zig-zag line of carbon atoms.

"C-1"C-1 is on the right.

The groups on "C-3"C-3 are "H"H, "H"H, and "CH(CH"_3)_2CH(CH3)2. Those on "C-4"C-4 are "H"H, "H"H, and "CH"_3"CH"_2CH3CH2.

Step 4. Draw a template for a Newman projection.

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Step 5. Attach the groups to the carbons of your template.

View the molecule from the upper right.

The groups on "C-3"C-3 go on the front carbon atom. Put the "CH(CH"_3)_2CH(CH3)2group on the bottom. The two "H"H atoms go on the other bonds.

The groups on "C-4"C-4 go on the back carbon. The bulky "CH"_3"CH"_2CH3CH2 group goes on the top, and the two HH atoms go on the other bonds.

enter image source here

This is the most stable conformer. It has the bulky isopropyl group anti to an ethyl group.

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