Home > Organic Chemistry > Diastereomers

What are two conformations of cis-1,4-dimethyl cyclohexane?

Answer 1

I think there is only the one conformation of #"cis-dimethylcyclohexane."#

The upper trace shows the cis-isomer; i.e. one methyl is axial, and one methyl is equatorial. I think, quite clearly, the 2 conformers are superposable, and are therefore identical. On the other hand, for the trans isomer, in which the methyl groups are on opposite sides the ring, #"trans-diaxial"# is distinct from #"trans-diequatorial"#. Clearly the latter conformer would be most stable.

If you can't see the equivalence of the cis isomers, try using a set of molecular models, which are always allowed in examinations.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Ellie Adams

The two conformations of cis-1,4-dimethylcyclohexane are:

Chair conformation
Twist-boat conformation

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.