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
  • The model below is set to the "Staggered" conformation.  Click the eclipsed button to change it to "eclipsed".
  • If the Newman projection was set to completely eclipsed, the groups on the back carbon would be obscured by the groups on the front carbon.  When we draw them, we often provide a little offset so we can draw the groups.
  • Tweak the "Eclipsed Offset" down to 0, so you can see for yourself.
  • Change the "red" and "blue" H  atoms to CH3 and click the rotate button a few times.