Final answer:
The three main positions labeled in a Newman projection are eclipsed, staggered, and anti-staggered.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a Newman projection, there are three main positions labeled. These positions are:
- Eclipsed: In this position, the front carbon atom and the back carbon atom are lined up perfectly, creating the highest energy conformation.
- Staggered: In this position, the front carbon atom and the back carbon atom are as far apart as possible, creating the lowest energy conformation.
- Anti-staggered: In this position, the front carbon atom and the back carbon atom are staggered and the substituents are anti to each other, creating an intermediate energy conformation.