Difference Between Conformation and Configuration

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    2023-02-15T12:05:21+00:00

    😕 Have you ever been confused about the difference between conformation and configuration? If so, you’re not alone! Many people get them mixed up, but there are actually some key distinctions that make them different from one another. Here, we’ll explain the difference between conformation and configuration so you can understand which term to use in different contexts.

    👉 Conformation refers to the physical shape or arrangement of a molecule. It includes the 3-dimensional structure of a molecule, which is determined by the bonding between its atoms. This includes the angles between atoms, the distances between atoms, and the overall shape of the molecule.

    👉 Configuration, on the other hand, refers to the specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It’s related to the arrangement of electrons around a central atom, and it dictates the chemical and physical properties of the molecule. This can include the polarity of a molecule, its reactivity, and its reactivity with other molecules.

    🤔 So, what’s the difference between the two? Well, conformation is more about shape, whereas configuration is more about arrangement. Conformation is used to describe the physical arrangement of a molecule, while configuration is used to describe the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

    😉 To sum it up, conformation is the physical shape or arrangement of a molecule, while configuration is the specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule. To help you remember the difference, just think of conformation as the “con-formation” of a molecule and configuration as the “con-figuration” of a molecule.

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