📚 Learning Guide
Cycloalkane Conformations
hard

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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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
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Choose 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

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