Conformational analysis of cycloalkanes

Abstract

Conformational analysis is a comparatively new area of organic chemistry that has been developed well after the theories of organic reactions, bonding in organic compounds and stereochemistry. It was only in the second half of twentieth century that its importance was fully recognized and its central role with respect to bonding, reactivity and stability of organic compounds was appreciated. Fundamental concepts of conformational analysis, a deeper discussion of the conformational analysis of small and common rings and an introduction into the conformational analysis of medium and large rings are presented at a level suitable for an introductory organic chemistry course. This discussion aims to provide a better understanding of the complex relationship among different types of strain, while also discussing the factors that determine stability of a particular conformation. Finally, the unique nature of each class of cycloalkanes is explored.