Question

Which of the following statement regarding the populations of different conformations of optically active butane-2, 3- diol is true

• A. The most populated conformer will have the hydroxy group at anti-position.
• B. All staggered conformations will be equally populated and are major.
• C. The most populated conformer will have hydroxyl groups at guache position.
• D. Relative populations of different conformers are not predictable.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The most populated conformer will have hydroxyl groups at guache position.

Answer 2

Gauche form of butane-2,3-diol has intramolecular H-bonding. So it is most stable.