Question

Use your models to do a chair-chair interconversion on each ring of the conformation of $cis\text{-decalin}$shown in Figure 3-27. Draw the conformation that results.

Short answer

$cis\text{-decalin}$

Step-by-step solution

Decalin

The most common example of a fused ring system is decalin. There are two geometric isomers of decalin. The isomer in which the rings are fused using two cis bonds is the $cis\text{-decalin}$,and the isomer in which the rings are fused using two trans bonds is the $trans\text{-decalin}$.

Drawing cis-decalin

While drawing, if the left ring is considered, the bonds to the right ring are directed downward, whereas the attached hydrogen atoms are directed upward. These bonds are cis, which can be called a cis ring fusion. One of the bonds to the right must be in an axial position, and the other is in an equatorial position.

Chair-chair interconversion of cis-decalin

The axial position is shown by a solid blue line, and the equatorial position is shown by a solid red line in the structures drawn.

$cis\text{-decalin}$