The chair conformation of cyclohexane is always more stable than the boat conformation due to minimized steric strain and torsional strain.

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The chair form of cyclohexane is more stable because it lets all bonds be nearly perfect tetrahedral, so there is little torsional strain and no eclipsing interactions. In the chair, each C–C bond is staggered and the ring angles are close to 109. 5°, so the atoms are far enough apart to avoid steric clashes. By contrast, the boat shape forces several eclipsed bonds and bends the ring, creating both torsional strain and steric crowding between the “flagpole” atoms. For example, in the boat the two “flagpole” carbons are only about 2.

Detailed Explanation

The chair shape lets the carbon atoms spread out so they do not bump into each other, which reduces steric strain. Other options are incorrect because Some students think the boat can be more stable because it looks round, but in reality it forces atoms close together, creating bumping, and its bonds twist, adding strain.

Key Concepts

Cycloalkane Conformations

Stability and Strain in Molecular Structures

Conformational Analysis

Topic

Cycloalkane Conformations

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Question 1

In a molecule of 1-methylcyclohexane, which conformation minimizes steric hindrance and torsional strain while maximizing stability after a ring flip?

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Question 2

In a substituted cyclohexane with a bulky tert-butyl group and a smaller ethyl group, which configuration minimizes steric hindrance and maximizes stability in the chair conformation?

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Question 3

In a cyclohexane derivative featuring both a chlorine atom and a methyl group, which substituent position (axial or equatorial) would likely lead to a more stable chair conformation?

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Question 4

Chair conformation : Stability :: Boat conformation : ?

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Question 5

Arrange the following conformational changes of cyclohexane from least to most stable: A. Chair conformation, B. Twist-boat conformation, C. Boat conformation, D. Half-chair conformation.

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Question 6

In a chair conformation of cyclohexane, which statement best explains the implications of substituent positioning on molecular stability?

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Question 7

When considering chair conformations of cyclohexane, which arrangement of substituents generally leads to the most stable conformation?

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Question 8

In the chair conformation of cyclohexane, substituents in the ____ position are generally more stable due to reduced steric interactions compared to those in the axial position.

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