Chapter 4, Problem 4.61P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

For the given compounds, the order from smallest heat of combustion to largest heat of combustion is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A cyclohexane is lower in energy (more stable) when the bulkier substituent occupies an equatorial position. The equatorial conformer is more stable than the axial conformer because there is more room for the substituent in the equatorial position.

The increase in energy that occurs from electron repulsion between groups of atoms or atoms that are not directly bonded together but occupy the same space is nothing but steric strain. The higher the ring strain lower is the heat of combustion and vice versa.