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Chair Conformations
Cyclic Chair Representations
6-membered rings (typically all-carbon rings called cyclohexane) are drawn in two-dimensions as hexagons. However, this is not how they occupy space in three-dimensions! To show how they occpy three-dimensions, we use the chair comformation. The chair conformation minizes steric repulsion. The substituents that point straight up and straight down are in the axial position, the substituents that are in the plane of the ring are in the equitorial position.
Steric Factors in Cyclohexanes
It is also important to note that if there are any bulky substituents on the ring, they will prefer to be in the equitorial position. This is because there is less steric interactions (called 1,3-diaxial interations) when the large substituents is in the equatorial position.
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Example: Chair Conformations
Draw each of the following molecules in two different chair conformations. Circle the most stable.
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Example: Chair Conformations
Draw the following molecules in two different chair conformations. Circle the most stable.
Mark Yourself Question
- Grab a piece of paper and try this problem yourself.
- When you're done, check the "I have answered this question" box below.
- View the solution and report whether you got it right or wrong.
Practice: Chair Conformations
Draw the following molecule in two different chair conformations. Circle the most stable.
