question_answer

Is it possible to isolate pure staggered ethane or pure eclipsed ethane at room temperature? Explain.

Answer:

                The energy difference between staggered and eclipsed forms of ethane is just \[12.55\,kJ\,mo{{l}^{-1}}\] which is easily met by collisions of the molecules at room temperature. Therefore, it is not possible to isolate either pure staggered or pure eclipsed ethane at room temperature.