What is a Newman projection?

1 Answer
Jun 27, 2016

A Newmann projection is a projection of an organic molecule onto the two-dimensional printed page.

Explanation:

enter image source here

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The picture gives a Newmann projection of #"n-butane"#, viewed along the #C_2C_3# axis. The names of each conformational isomer are really immaterial. They are just there for convenience.

As with any of these problems, anyone can fail to see the what's relevant on a diagram; it is easier to see the geometry with a three-dimensional model, and such models are always allowed in examinations. Of course, you have to practise using such models, and also practise their representation on the printed page.