Ek1001 orgo 290

[yingao88]

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The best explanation for the stability of the chair
Confirmation for cyclohexane is:
I. ....
II. The hydrogens are all in staggered conformations
III the bonds have nonlinear overlap.

I don't understand the statement number 2, can
Someone explain number 2 please? Thanks!!

 

[mcloaf]

This refers to the Newman projection of the molecule. If you were to look down the axes of the bonds in question you would see that the hydrogens are pointing in different directions, this maximizes the distance between hydrogens on adjacent carbons and so minimizes steric repulsion and makes this the lowest energy conformation. If the hydrogens were pointing in the same direction (eclipsed conformation) there would be greater steric repulsion and the conformation would be less stable.

 

[yingao88]

Thanks!