Newman Projections: Rotate
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 rotate a Newman projection?
Rotating the front carbon turns its three substituents while the back carbon's substituents stay fixed (or vice versa). A 60-degree rotation converts between staggered and eclipsed conformations.
How do Newman projections relate to wedge-dash structures?
A wedge-dash structure shows 3D arrangement from the side. A Newman projection shows the same molecule looking down one bond axis. Wedge bonds point toward the viewer (front carbon); dash bonds point away (back carbon).
What is a dihedral angle?
A dihedral (torsion) angle is the angle between two substituents on adjacent carbons, as viewed in a Newman projection. Anti = 180 degrees, gauche = 60 degrees, eclipsed = 0 degrees.