Q. 4-4-12P - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Draw two different chair conformations of cyclohexanol (hydroxycyclohexane),showing all hydrogen atoms. Identify each position as axial orequatorial.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The two different chair conformations of cyclohexanol are:

 

Chair confirmation

Chair conformation structure for a six-membered ring is when atoms 2, 3, 5, and 6 lie in the same plane, atom one lies above the plane, and atom 4 lies below the plane.

Axial and equatorial positions:

Axial bonds are the bonds that are perpendicular or vertical to the ring plane. Equatorial bonds are approximately horizontal in the plane of the ring.

Structure of cyclohexanol: Axial

The hydroxyl group and five hydrogens present here are perpendicular or vertical to the ring plane.

                                   

                                 The bond in pink represents axial bonds 

Structure of cyclohexanol: Equatorial

Here hydroxyl group and five hydrogens are present approximately horizontal in the plane of the ring.

                           

                      The bond in pink represents Equatorial bonds