What is the difference between conformation and configuration

Conformation refers to different arrangements of atoms in a molecule that can readily interconvert. These interconversions can occur at room temperature easily. Therefore, these structures are highly flexible. Figure Interconversion of two Conformations via Rotation. However, the different structures cannot be separated from each other.

These different structures result from rotations around carbon to carbon single bonds C-C bonds. Anyway, we can get different conformations for the same molecule.

Configuration refers to different arrangements of atoms in a molecule that cannot readily interconvert. Therefore, these structures are less flexible. Unlike conformations, these structures are separable we can separate one configuration from another. Figure Cis and Trans Configurations of the same molecule. Therefore, the eclipsed conformation has the highest potential energy.

The angle between the atoms in these conformations is called the dihedral angle. For staggered conformation, the dihedral angle is 60 o whereas the dihedral angle for eclipsed conformation is 0 o. Figure 3: Two Main Conformations of Ethane. Moreover, there are two other conformations named as gauche and anti. When the molecule has a substituent, these conformers can be seen.

The gauche conformation has a dihedral angle of 60 o between the substituents. The anti conformation has an o dihedral angle. The above image shows the gauche, anti and eclipsed conformations of butane. Here, the angle between two methyl groups is the dihedral angle.

Configurational Isomers: Configurational isomers are stereoisomers that cannot be converted into one another by rotating the molecule around a single bond. Conformational Isomers: Conformational isomers are stereoisomers that can be converted into one another by rotating the molecule at a single bond.

Configurational Isomers: There are two types of configurational isomers as geometrical isomers and optical isomers. Conformational Isomers: There are four types of conformational isomers as eclipsed conformation, staggered conformation, gauche conformation and anti conformation. Configurational Isomers: The rotation of the molecule around a single bond does not give its isomer in configurational isomers. Conformational Isomers: The rotation of the molecule around a single bond can give multiple isomers in conformational isomers.

Configurational and conformational isomers are two different types of isomers. Click the structures and reaction arrows to view the 3D models and animations respectively. Vote count: 2. No votes so far! Be the first to rate this page. Tell us how we can improve this page in your own language if you prefer? Close Animation controls: Display controls:.

Click the structures and reaction arrows to view the 3D models and animations respectively The molecules above have no plane of symmetry and can exist as enantiomers. Next page: Conformations of ethane Back to stereochemistry home. How useful was this page? Click on a star to rate it!