Question

6) The twisted boat conformation of cyclohexane is actually a slightly lower energy conformation than the boat conformation. Which of the following accurately describes one factor involved in this structural behavior? A) lower angle strain in the boat B) higher torsional strain in the twisted boat C) fewer unfavorable steric factors in the twisted boat D) increased rotational freedom in the boat E) lower bond strain in the boat

Answer 1

Boat conformation of cyclohexane has lower angle strain. But it has torsional strain associated with eclipsed bonds at the four of the carbon atoms that form the side of the boat. In addition steric interaction of the hydrogen atoms known as flagpole interaction destabilises the boat conformation and it's energy higher than the twisted boat conformation.

The twisted boat conformation relieves some of the torsional strain of the boat and moves the flagpole hydrogen further apart reducing the steric strain. So it's energy is lower than the boat conformation and consequently it is slightly more stable than the boat conformation.