Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Chair → B. Twist-boat → C. Boat → D. Half-chair
B
Chair → C. Boat → B. Twist-boat → D. Half-chair
C
Twist-boat → A. Chair → C. Boat → D. Half-chair
D
Boat → D. Half-chair → A. Chair → B. Twist-boat
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The least stable conformation is the half‑chair because it forces many bonds to bend and creates a lot of strain. Next comes the boat, which has eclipsing interactions and a “flagpole” strain that makes it less stable. The twist‑boat is better because it reduces eclipsing and flagpole strain, so it sits above the boat in stability. Finally the chair is the most stable, because all bonds are staggered and the ring is fully relaxed. For example, when a cyclohexane ring flips from chair to half‑chair, the energy rises sharply, showing how the half‑chair is the least favorable.
Detailed Explanation
The chair shape has the most even angles and no eclipsing interactions, so it is the lowest in energy. Other options are incorrect because This option puts the boat shape ahead of the twist‑boat; Here the chair is placed after the twist‑boat, implying the chair is less stable.
Key Concepts
Cycloalkane conformations
Stability and strain in molecular structures
Steric hindrance
Topic
Cycloalkane Conformations
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1In 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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2
Question 2In a chair conformation of cyclohexane, which statement best explains the implications of substituent positioning on molecular stability?
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3
Question 3When considering chair conformations of cyclohexane, which arrangement of substituents generally leads to the most stable conformation?
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4
Question 4In 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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