In chemistry, "conformation" refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule that can be changed by rotation around single bonds without breaking any bonds. This concept is particularly important in the study of organic compounds, where the spatial orientation of atoms can significantly influence the molecule's reactivity, physical properties, and biological activity.
Conformational isomers, or conformers, are different arrangements of a molecule that result from this rotation around single bonds. For example, in ethane (C₂H₆), the two carbon atoms are connected by a single bond, allowing for various spatial orientations of the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbons. The two most notable conformations of ethane are the staggered conformation, where the hydrogen atoms are positioned as far apart as possible, and the eclipsed conformation, where the hydrogen atoms are aligned with each other, leading to increased steric hindrance.
Understanding conformations is crucial in fields such as medicinal chemistry and material science, as even slight changes in molecular conformation can lead to significant differences in behavior and function.