What is the Difference Between Conformation and Configuration?

The main difference between conformation and configuration lies in the flexibility and interconversions of the arrangements of atoms in a molecule:

• Conformation: Conformation refers to the distinct arrangement of atoms in a molecule that can readily interconvert. These arrangements are flexible and can be interconverted at room temperature without breaking or forming chemical bonds. The interconversions occur through rotations around carbon-carbon single bonds. Conformations cannot be separated from each other.
• Configuration: Configuration refers to the distinct arrangement of atoms in a molecule that cannot readily interconvert. These arrangements are less flexible, and to interconvert one configuration into another, existing chemical bonds may need to be broken and new ones formed. Configurations can be separated from each other. The division between conformations and configurations is often based on the involvement of covalent bonds in the molecule.

In summary:

• Conformations are flexible arrangements of atoms that can interconvert easily without breaking or forming chemical bonds.
• Configurations are less flexible arrangements of atoms that may require breaking or forming chemical bonds to interconvert.
• Conformations cannot be separated from each other, while configurations can be separated.

Comparative Table: Conformation vs Configuration

Here is a table summarizing the differences between conformation and configuration:

In summary, conformation and configuration are both related to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, but they differ in their flexibility, interconversion, and separation properties. Conformations can change readily and are highly flexible, while configurations are less flexible and require breaking bonds to change.