Bonding electron pairs in the staggered conformation are farthest apart, minimizing electron-electron repulsion. This is due to the *torsional strain* in the eclipsed form. That 12.5 kJ/mol stability is pure theory from our coaching class notes.
But in my life, a perfect stitch also needs stability—when I cut a *lining*, the grain must run straight, not staggered, or the whole *blouse* will twist. So sometimes, what the book says is stable isn't what holds the fabric of life together.
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