Draw the two chair conformers for each of the following and indicate which conformer is more stable:
b. trans-1-ethyl-2-methylcyclohexane

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of trans-1-ethyl-2-methylcyclohexane. The 'trans' designation means that the ethyl group and the methyl group are on opposite sides of the cyclohexane ring. Assign one group as axial and the other as equatorial in the first chair conformer.
2. Step 2: Draw the first chair conformer of cyclohexane. Place the ethyl group (a larger substituent) in the equatorial position and the methyl group in the axial position, ensuring they are on opposite sides of the ring (trans configuration).
3. Step 3: Draw the second chair conformer by performing a ring flip. In this conformer, the positions of the substituents will switch: the ethyl group will now be axial, and the methyl group will be equatorial, while maintaining the trans configuration.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the stability of each conformer. Larger groups (like ethyl) prefer the equatorial position due to reduced 1,3-diaxial interactions. Compare the steric hindrance in both conformers to determine which is more stable.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the conformer with the ethyl group in the equatorial position and the methyl group in the axial position is more stable, as it minimizes steric strain and unfavorable interactions.

Key Concepts

Chair Conformation

Chair conformation is a three-dimensional representation of cyclohexane that minimizes steric strain and torsional strain. In this conformation, the carbon atoms are arranged in a staggered manner, allowing for more stable interactions between substituents. Understanding chair conformations is crucial for analyzing the stability of cyclohexane derivatives, as different substituents can occupy axial or equatorial positions, affecting overall stability.

Axial vs. Equatorial Positions

In chair conformations, substituents can occupy either axial or equatorial positions. Axial substituents are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the ring, while equatorial substituents are oriented parallel to the plane. Generally, equatorial positions are more stable for larger substituents due to reduced steric hindrance, making it essential to determine the preferred positions for substituents when evaluating conformer stability.

Trans-Substitution Effects

Trans-substitution refers to the arrangement of substituents on opposite sides of a cyclohexane ring. In trans-1-ethyl-2-methylcyclohexane, the ethyl and methyl groups are positioned on different sides of the ring. This configuration influences the stability of the chair conformers, as the larger ethyl group will prefer the equatorial position to minimize steric interactions, while the smaller methyl group can occupy either position, affecting the overall stability of the conformers.