Question

Differentiate between conformation and configuration?

Answer 1

Both the terms i.e. conformation as well as configuration in chemistry describes the spatial arrangement of a specific molecule. One tells about the geometry in the space and the other one represents the distribution atoms.

Complete Step by step answer: The concept of conformation is confined to the parts of a molecule that are not directly connected to the same atom and which do not involve the covalent backbone of molecules. On the other hand, the concept of configuration is confined to the parts of a molecule that are connected to the same atom directly and which involves the covalent bonds of the molecule directly. The detailed differentiation of conformation and configuration has been listed in the table below:

S. No.	Properties	Conformation	Configuration
1.	Definition	Conformation is the distinct arrangement of atoms in any molecule which can readily interconvert.	Configuration is the distinct arrangement of atoms in any molecule which cannot readily interconvert.
2.	Separation	Conformations cannot be separated.	Configurations can be separated.
3.	Flexibility	Conformations possess very high flexibility.	Configurations possess less flexibility.
4.	Interconversion	Interconversion i.e. converting one conformation into another conformation (of the same molecule) is easy (takes place at room temperature).	Interconversion i.e. converting one configuration into another configuration is difficult.
5.	Conversion Mechanism	Interconversion of conformation is done through rotations around carbon to carbon single bonds.	Interconversion of configuration is done through breaking and forming new chemical bonds.

Note: To identify the most stable conformation, we select the form having the least number of large axial groups. On the other hand, the most stable electron configuration is an atom whose outermost (valence) shell is complete.