Question

How do you convert newman projections to lewis structure diagrams? Such as the solution that is posted for problem 3.20 (b) in the Organic Chemistry booked written by Francis Carey.

Answer 1

First write the structure for say 2,2,4-trimethylhexane in usual fashion. Drawing a Newman projection begins with identifying the carbons we are looking at. Here we have taken C3-C4 bond for projection. C3 has a t-Bu and 2 H's, whereas, C4 has an Et, a Me and a H attached to it. We drawn the most stable Newman with tBu and Et in staggered configuration to each other. The figure is shown below. Drawing a Lewis diagram begins with first drawing the carbon chain of the structure. Now add carbons at 2 and 4 posiiton, for 2 Me at 2 and 1 Me at 4. Add H's to each carbon such that all of them have 4 bonds connected to it. This would be the Lewis diagram for your molecule as shown below.