An alternative interpretation of the C-H bond strengths of alkanes

A new model based on 1,3 repulsive steric interactions (geminal repulsion) is proposed for explaining the variation in the C-H bond strengths of the alkanes. The model builds from the assumption that 1,3 repulsive interactions are the major factor in determining the stability of a C-C or C-H bond in an alkane. From this simple premise, the model successfully reproduces the effect of branching on the stability of alkanes, alkyl radicals, and alkenes. The results suggest that geminal repulsion can provide a simple, unified explanation for these fundamental stability trends. Although previous explanations have been widely accepted, it is shown that the theoretical support for them is relatively shallow and that the current hyperconjugative stabilization model is inconsistent with several experimental and computational results concerning alkyl radicals. In contrast, an explanation based on geminal repulsion provides a general conceptual framework for rationalizing each of these stability trends and is based on a physical effect that is known to play a role in the stability of alkanes and related species.