In which conformation are conformational isomers most favorable when staggered?

Conformational isomers, also known as rotamers, refer to the different spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be obtained by rotation around a single bond. In the context of staggered conformations, the most favorable configuration is one that minimizes steric hindrance and torsional strain.

Among the staggered conformations, the anti-conformation is particularly stable. In the anti-conformation, substituents on adjacent carbons are positioned opposite each other, allowing for maximum distance between bulky groups. This arrangement minimizes interactions that can lead to increased energy due to steric strain, making the anti-conformation lower in energy compared to other staggered arrangements.

In contrast, the gauche conformation, although staggered, typically places larger substituents closer together, leading to increased steric hindrance compared to the anti-conformation. Therefore, while they are both staggered, the anti conformation is more energetically favorable than the gauche conformation.

The eclipsed conformations, although they can briefly occur as molecules rotate around a bond, are higher in energy because the electron clouds of neighboring substituents repel each other, creating torsional strain. Therefore, they are not favored.

The chair conformation is often discussed in the context of