ODDO HARKINS RULE Meaning and
Definition
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The Oddo-Harkins rule is a chemical principle that relates to the behavior and reactivity of organic molecules. It states that the hydrocarbon substituents in a molecule, which contain no electronegative atoms, tend to adopt a conformation that is anti to each other.
In simpler terms, the Oddo-Harkins rule implies that when there are two identical alkyl groups or hydrocarbon chains attached to a central carbon atom, they will position themselves as far apart from each other as possible in order to reduce any potential steric hindrance or repulsion between the groups. This arrangement, known as the anti-configuration, allows for greater stability and lower energy state.
This principle finds applications in various organic reactions and processes, particularly in the conformational analysis and stereochemistry of complex molecules. Understanding the Oddo-Harkins rule helps predict the most favorable orientations of substituents, influencing molecular shape and determining factors such as bond angles and bond lengths.
The Oddo-Harkins rule is named after Joseph A. Oddo and William D. Harkins, who independently proposed this concept in the early 20th century. Their work contributed significantly to the understanding of molecular structures and played a role in the development of organic chemistry.
