Other cycloalkanesNote: In the above models, the straight lines represesnt single bonds, the lumps represent
carbon atoms, and the open ends represent hydrogen atoms.
Consider getting a good molecular model set if you do not yet have one. They are not as
inexpensive as you would hope but they help most people immensely to understand the way
molecules look in three dimensions. Follow this link^4 to places you can buy a molecular
model kit.
The chair conformation (can you see how it looks like a chair?) is lower in energy than
the boat conformation. This is because the two ends of the molecule are farther apart and
avoid steric hinderance.
Hydrogen atoms in a cyclohexane can be divided into two types:
1.Axial, that point towards the top and bottom, and
2.Equitorial, that point out away from the edge of the moleculeWhen hydrogens are replaced with other, bulkier groups, it becomes apparent that the axial
positions are less energetically favored than the equitorial positions. That means that, if
given a choice, bulkier groups will tend to bond to cyclohexane in equitoral positions, as
this reduces their steric hinderance and potential energy.
26.6 Other cycloalkanes
Cyclopentaneflips between slightly different conformers as well.
4 https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/..%2F..%2FPlaces%20to%20buy%20organic%20chemistry%20models