Question

Draw 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexamethylcyclohexane with all the methyl groups

(a) in axial positions. (b) in equatorial positions.

Short answer

(a)

(b)

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:

If we could freeze cyclohexane in a chair conformation, we would see that there are two different kinds of carbon–hydrogen bonds. Six of the bonds (one on each carbon atom) are directed up and down, parallel to the axis of the ring. These are called axial bonds. The other six bonds point out from the ring, along the “equator” of the ring. These are called equatorial bonds.

(a)

The axial bonds are drawn vertically to the ring connections for all methyl groups.

(b)

Equatorial bonds are drawn parallel to the ring connections for all methyl groups.