restricted rotation
What restricted rotation means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of restricted rotation
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Reference: AQA
Rotation about the planar carbon–carbon double bond is restricted because rotating one end would break the sideways overlap of p orbitals.
Rotation about the double bond is restricted, which is why E-Z stereoisomers exist.
Topics that use restricted rotation
- Isomerism (AQA A-Level)
- Structure, bonding and reactivity (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- atomic number comparison
- CIP priority rules
- E and Z isomers
- E-Z isomerism
- first point of difference
- General formula
- Optical isomerism
- stereoisomers
Using restricted rotation in the exam
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