Most stable cyclohexane conformation with three substituents...

[Pose]

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Hi,

If you are given three substituents to a cyclohexane, all of the same size (i.e. trimethyl), and all on different carbon atoms (i.e. 1,2,4), how do you decide which is the most stable (chair) conformation?

If they all go equatorial, wouldn't this create steric hindrance?

Can you use cis/trans for more than two substituents?

 

[AmirTimur]

Hi,

If you are given three substituents to a cyclohexane, all of the same size (i.e. trimethyl), and all on different carbon atoms (i.e. 1,2,4), how do you decide which is the most stable (chair) conformation?

If they all go equatorial, wouldn't this create steric hindrance?

Can you use cis/trans for more than two substituents?

The most stable conformation is the one where all of the substituents are located on equatorial positions. This is a rule and you should memorize it. If they are equatorial it would not create steric hindrance. This is preferrable conformation. You want your substituents to always be in equatorial position. The conformation becomes unfavorable when substituents become axial.

Cis/Trans i believe is not applicable here, it's axial/equatorial that you really should worry about. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Hope this helps.