Question

Which of the statements below correctly describes the chair conformations of trans-1,4-dimethylcyclohexane? A. The higher energy chair conformation contains one axial methyl group and one equatorial methyl group. B. The lower energy chair conformation contains one axial methyl group and one equatorial methyl group. C. The two chair conformations are of equal energy. D. The higher energy chair conformation contains two axial methyl groups. E. The lower energy chair conformation contains two axial methyl groups.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. The higher energy chair conformation contains two axial methyl groups.

Explanation:

The diaxial trans-1,4-dimethylcyclohexane has the highest energy (the least stable) and the diequatorial chair conformation has the lowest energy (the most stable).

The diaxial conformation has a higher energy due to the interaction between the methyl groups.