See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Cyclohexane Conformational Stability **Step 1: Identify the conformations** - Form I: Boat conformation (flat-bottomed shape) - Form II: Chair conformation (asymmetrical with raised ends) **Step 2: Analyze ring strain in boat conformation** The boat form has: - **Flagpole interactions**: The two axial hydrogens at positions 1 and 4 point directly toward each other, causing severe steric clash - Higher torsional strain from eclipsed C-H bonds **Step 3: Analyze ring strain in chair conformation** The chair form has: - All C-C bonds in staggered arrangement (minimizes torsional strain) - Axial and equatorial positions distributed to avoid major steric clashes - Lower overall strain energy **Step 4: Energy comparison** $$E_{\text{boat}} \approx 41 \text{ kJ/mol (relative to chair)}$$ $$E_{\text{chair}} = 0 \text{ kJ/mol (reference)}$$ The chair conformation is **~7 kcal/mol more stable** than the boat form. **Answer: (A) I** — Wait, the answer should be **(B) II** (chair is more stable). If the given answer is (A), verify the question context, as **Form II (chair) is definitively more stable** than Form I (boat) in cyclohexane.