Torsional strain

[Chem_Mod]

Is there any torsional strain in the envelope conformation of cyclopentane? If so, why?

[Chem_Mod]

Yes, there is torsional strain in the envelope conformation of cyclopentane. Although the strain is reduced compared to the planar conformation, it still has. There are 8 C-H bonds that are eclipsed creating torsional strain.

[Chem_Mod]

For cyclopentane, I wanted to confirm that there is only torsional strain between the C-H bonds and no steric strain, and this is why it goes to the envelope conformation though it still has some torsional strain?

[Chem_Mod]

There is only torsional strain between the C-H bonds and no steric strain ---

Yes, because there are no atoms repel each other due to occupation of the same location. This is why it goes to the envelope conformation though it still has some torsional strain, but cyclopentane adapt a envelope configuration because this structure has the lowest energy while still conform to the ring structure.