MOLECULAR CONFORMATION Meaning and
Definition
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Molecular conformation refers to the three-dimensional arrangement or shape that a molecule adopts in space due to the rotation of its constituent atoms or groups. It describes the spatial arrangement of the atoms within the molecule, including the orientation and distance between atoms and the torsion angles between chemical bonds.
Conformational changes occur when a molecule undergoes rotations around single bonds, allowing it to adopt different shapes while maintaining the same chemical formula. These changes are primarily driven by the rotation of sigma (σ) bonds, while pi (π) bonds are more rigid and less susceptible to rotation.
Molecular conformation plays a crucial role in determining the physical and chemical properties of a compound. Different conformations can result in different steric hindrance, dipole moments, bond lengths, and angles, which can impact its reactivity, stability, and intermolecular interactions.
The most stable conformation of a molecule is often referred to as its "ground-state conformation," while less stable, higher-energy conformations are considered "excited states." Determining and understanding the various conformations that a molecule can adopt is essential for predicting its behavior in chemical reactions, drug design, and biological interactions.
Experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and computational methods like molecular modeling and simulation are commonly employed to study and visualize molecular conformation.
Common Misspellings for MOLECULAR CONFORMATION
- nolecular conformation
- kolecular conformation
- jolecular conformation
- milecular conformation
- mklecular conformation
- mllecular conformation
- mplecular conformation
- m0lecular conformation
- m9lecular conformation
- mokecular conformation
- mopecular conformation
- mooecular conformation
- molwcular conformation
- molscular conformation
- moldcular conformation
- molrcular conformation
- mol4cular conformation
- mol3cular conformation
- molexular conformation
- molevular conformation
Etymology of MOLECULAR CONFORMATION
The term "molecular conformation" has its origins in the fields of chemistry and physics.
The word "molecular" comes from the Latin word "molecula", which means a small mass. It is derived from the Latin word "moles", meaning a mass or barrier. The term "molecular" refers to an individual unit or particle of a substance, especially as it relates to its structure and properties.
On the other hand, the word "conformation" derives from the Latin word "conformare", meaning to shape or mold. The term "conformation" in the context of chemistry refers to the spatial arrangement or shape that a molecule adopts due to the rotation of its covalent bonds. It describes the overall three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms in a molecule.
