Explain the role strain plays on stability and reactivity of a cyclic alkane such as cyclopropane.

Chemistry: Matter and Change
1st Edition
ISBN:9780078746376
Author:Dinah Zike, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen, Cheryl Wistrom
Publisher:Dinah Zike, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen, Cheryl Wistrom
Chapter21: Hydrocarbons
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 91A
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Explain the role strain plays on stability and reactivity of a cyclic alkane such as cyclopropane.

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Cyclopropane is a cyclic hydrocarbon having three carbon atoms. In cyclopropane, each carbon is sp3 hybridized. The bond angle around each carbon atom in cyclopropane is around 60ο. While the bond angle around an sp3 hybridized carbon atom should be 120ο. Hence the bond angle present in cyclopropane will is far less than the most stable bond angle which results in the development of angular strain in cyclopropane. 

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