Cyclooctatetraene () contains 8 electrons. How does the molecule physically respond to avoid the severe destabilization of anti-aromaticity?

Question

Cyclooctatetraene ($C_8H_8$) contains 8 $\pi$ electrons. How does the molecule physically respond to avoid the severe destabilization of anti-aromaticity?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. To escape the anti-aromatic penalty, the large flexible ring puckers out of a planar geometry into a stable 3D tub shape. Breaking planarity breaks the conjugation, rendering it simply non-aromatic.

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