Question

Axial vs equatorial

Is it better to have the biggest group in equatorial or two smaller groups in equatorial?

Answer 1

in terms of stability.

Answer 2

ch3 and ch3 can be equatorial and t-butyl can be axial or t-butyl can be equatorial and the two ch3s can be axial

Answer 3

Don't take my word for it but I would go with two smaller groups. ;)

Answer 4

@winterlove It would depend if there's more energy associated with having the t-butyl group in the axial position than the two CH3 groups axial. I think this is an interesting case.

You always number your carbons, and a dash = DOWN and a wedge = UP. then translate those to the chair form like what I did.



Usually one structure wins out but remember, I feel that it's possible sometimes for theses structures to inter-convert.

Tert-butyl is a very bulky group so It would probably be best to have it in the axial positon though.

Just curios did they give you any energy values?