Conformational stability order of acyclic organic molecules revisited: A computer-based project in learning stereochemistry

Abstract

Learning stereochemistry today, especially on the topic of conformational stability, seems to generalize anti, gauche, eclipsed conformations as a general stability order for all acyclic organic molecules. This may be due to the fact that many organic chemistry textbooks only emphasis simple non-polar molecules, like propane or buthane, as examples to explain this topic omitting details for polar ones. This study proposes a simple computer-based technique as a project for students in learning stereochemistry. Applying this fast, open-source, and user-friendly software is highly recommended for promoting the concept and accurately predicting of conformational stability through computer-assisted experiment in the classroom.