Question

part 1 of 2
which is the more stable isomer? select the single best answer.
cis - 1 - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane
trans - 1 - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane
part: 1 / 2
part 2 of 2
select the single best explanation for the correct answer above.
cis is more stable than trans in 1,4 - disubstituted cyclohexanes because both substituents are equatorial
cis - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane has steric hindrance between the methyl and ethyl groups
cis - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane has steric hindrance between the methyl and ethyl groups
trans - 1 - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane has steric hindrance between the methyl and ethyl groups
trans is more stable than cis in 1,4 - disubstituted cyclohexanes because both substituents are equatorial

Explanation:

In 1,4 - disubstituted cyclohexanes, the trans - isomer is more stable when the substituents are large groups like ethyl and methyl. This is because in the trans - 1 - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane, both substituents can be in the equatorial position, minimizing steric hindrance. In the cis - isomer, one of the groups will be in an axial position leading to more steric interactions.

Answer:

Part 1 of 2: trans - 1 - ethyl - 4 - methylcyclohexane
Part 2 of 2: trans is more stable than cis in 1,4 - disubstituted cyclohexanes because both substituents are equatorial