Conformational free energy, definition measurement

For a monosubstituted oxane, the excess free enthalpy of the conformation with an axial substituent over the conformation with an equatorial substituent is, as we know by definition, the conformational free energy (CFE) of the substituent in oxane at this position. These values, possibly measured indirectly by utilizing intennediate compounds, are shown in Table 2.2. Equatorial conformations correspond to anti conformations in butane and methoxyethane, and the axial conformations (not represented) to gauche conformations. We can observe that the environment of derivative 2.20 is closest to that of the cyclohexane and that the CFE is of the same order. On the other hand, the presence of the cyclic oxygen lowers notably the CFE of derivative 2.19. The important point is the noteworthy increase in the CFE of compound 2.18, where the methyl group is close to the cyclic oxygen and possesses, on one side, an environment similar to that of methoxyethane. Let us look at the equilibrium (2.4) of the dimethylated derivative 2.21. 

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