Equatorial position (cyclohexane)

Definition

In cyclohexane, the equatorial position refers to the placement of substituents parallel or nearly parallel to the ring's equator, offering a more stable and less strained conformation due to decreased steric hindrance. This contrasts with axial positions that align perpendicular to the plane of the ring.

Related terms

Axial position: Substituents attached perpendicular to the plane of the cyclohexane ring, often leading to increased steric hindrance.

Steric hindrance: A phenomenon where molecules experience repulsion or spatial strain due to bulky groups being too close together, affecting chemical reactions and stability.

Chair conformation: A specific three-dimensional shape of cyclohexane that minimizes torsional strain by alternating between axial and equatorial positions for its hydrogen atoms