Term: conformation
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01258

Definition:
The spatial arrangement of the atoms affording distinction between stereoisomers which can be interconverted by rotations about formally single bonds. Some authorities extend the term to include inversion at trigonal pyramidal centres and other polytopal rearrangements.

Related Terms:
1) conformer (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01262).
2) bisecting conformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.B00673).
3) chair, boat, twist (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00964).
4) crown conformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01422).
5) envelope conformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02152).
6) half-chair (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02715).
7) staggered conformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05903).
8) tub conformation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06528).
9) stereoisomers (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05984).
10) inversion (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03146).
11) polytopal rearrangements (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04755).

Source: PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1099 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)

Citation: 'conformation' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01258

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