Explain why cyclopropane (C ₃H₆) and cyclobutane (C₄H₈) are more reactive than other cycloalkanes. 

Determine the total strain energy of cyclooctane using the values below:

• Actual heat of formation of cyclooctane: −29.7 kcal/mol
• Strainless heat of formation of cyclooctane: −39.4 kcal/mol

Identify the conformation with the least strain energy.