Newman Projections: Build
A Newman projection views the molecule straight down one C–C bond: bonds on the front carbon meet at the center point, and bonds on the back carbon stop at the circle.
Drag each substituent from the wedge-dash structure onto its correct Newman position below.
Common Questions
What is a Newman projection?
A Newman projection shows the conformation of a molecule by looking straight down the axis of a carbon-carbon bond. The front carbon is a dot, the back carbon is a circle, and each carbon's three substituents radiate outward at 120-degree angles.
How do you build a Newman projection from a wedge-dash structure?
Identify the bond you are sighting along. Each group goes on the carbon it is bonded to: the near carbon is the dot, the far carbon is the circle. On each carbon, the wedged and dashed groups take the two positions on either side of the in-plane group.
What is the difference between eclipsed and staggered conformations?
In a staggered conformation, substituents on the front and back carbons are 60 degrees apart. In an eclipsed conformation, they line up directly behind each other (0-degree dihedral). Staggered is lower energy.
What is the difference between anti and gauche conformations?
Both are staggered. Anti has the two largest substituents 180 degrees apart (lowest energy). Gauche has them 60 degrees apart (slightly higher energy due to steric strain).