Question

Which one of the following statements regarding the population of different conformers butane-$2,3$-diol is true?

• A. The most populated conformer will have the hydroxyl groups of the gauche position.
• B. The most populated conformer will have the hydroxyl groups at the anti position.
• C. All staggered conformations will be equally populated.
• D. Relative populations of different conformers is not predictable

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The most populated conformer will have the hydroxyl groups at the gauche positions because intramolecular hydrogen bonding is possible in this conformation which makes it more stable than the anti conformation.