Trans vs Cis stablity

[Natalie Yakobian]

For cyclohexanes in chair postion is Trans always more stable than cis?

Thanks!

[hpage204]

Someone asked a really similar question in the 11:00 lecture today... I believe the answer was that trans is more stable in most cases, but depending on the size and number of the substituents, this isn't always the case. I think the best option is to picture the alignment of the molecule and try and find the arrangement that minimizes steric interaction between the substituents.

[804584179]

trans would probably always be more stable because say you have something like a br coming off of carbon 1, then making the isomer trans would allow for the br to be in an equatorial position and have less steric strain

[Natalie Yakobian]

Thanks!