Newman and Sawhorse Projections

Chemists depict the conformations of molecules by two different drawing methods; Sawhorse and Newman projections.  Below are the Newman and Sawhorse projections for ethane (CH3CH3).

Action
  • Use the interactive model below to compare the staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane.
  • Rotate the rear carbon in 60° steps and watch groups move from staggered to eclipsed.
  • Change substituents on the front and back carbons (for example, replace H with CH3) and rotate again.