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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: tdod on August 16, 2012, 04:54:05 PM

Title: Why can't Carbon's of cyclokanes rotate?
Post by: tdod on August 16, 2012, 04:54:05 PM

it breaks the ring, but is there a explanation for why? When I imagine a spherical sigma bonding orbital, I see no problem with rotation. 

Title: Re: Why can't Carbon's of cyclokanes rotate?
Post by: fledarmus on August 16, 2012, 05:00:36 PM

I think you will have to draw a picture. I'm not sure what you mean by a "spherical sigma bonding orbital" - bonding orbitals are not spherical, they are directional between the two atoms being bonded.