The most stable conformation of cyclohexane is

Options

A. Boat
B. Half-chair
C. Chair
D. Twist-boat

Answer

To determine the most stable conformation of cyclohexane, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Conformations of Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane can adopt several conformations, including:
- Chair
- Boat
- Twist-Boat
- Half-Chair

### Step 2: Compare Stability of Conformations
The stability order of these conformations is as follows:
1. Chair
2. Twist-Boat
3. Boat
4. Half-Chair

### Step 3: Analyze the Chair Conformation
In the chair conformation, the carbon atoms are arranged in a staggered manner, which minimizes steric hindrance and torsional strain. This arrangement allows for:
- Adjacent hydrogens on the carbon atoms to be staggered, reducing repulsion.
- Flagpole hydrogens (C1 and C4) to be positioned on opposite sides, minimizing strain.

### Step 4: Analyze the Boat Conformation
In the boat conformation, the hydrogens on adjacent carbons are eclipsed, leading to increased steric hindrance and torsional strain. This conformation is less stable due to:
- Eclipsed hydrogens causing repulsion.
- Flagpole hydrogens being on the same side, increasing steric hindrance.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the chair conformation is the most stable due to its staggered arrangement of hydrogens and minimized steric strain.

### Final Answer
The most stable conformation of cyclohexane is the **chair conformation**.

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