Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Cyclohexane
B
Cyclobutane
C
Cyclopentane
D
Cycloheptane
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The cycloalkane that is both chiral and especially stable because of its ring size is cyclohexane. Its six‑membered ring is the most stable among cycloalkanes, giving it a low strain energy. Cyclohexane can adopt a chair conformation that is a mirror image of the other chair, making it a chiral pair of conformers. For example, a cyclohexane bearing two different substituents on adjacent carbons will be a chiral molecule, yet the ring remains very stable. Thus cyclohexane is the best example of chirality combined with ring‑size stability.
Detailed Explanation
Cyclohexane can fold into a chair shape, which spreads strain and keeps the ring stable. Other options are incorrect because Some think the small 4‑member ring is easier to keep straight, but cyclobutane is highly strained, like a paper clip that is bent too much; Cyclopentane is flexible, but its 5‑member ring does not form a rigid, low‑energy chair like cyclohexane.
Key Concepts
Stereochemistry of Cycloalkanes
Ring Size and Stability
Topic
Cycloalkanes Naming
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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