Twist-boat conformation

Definition

The twist-boat conformation is a specific geometric arrangement of atoms in cyclohexane where the molecule adopts a shape that reduces torsional strain by twisting. This form is less stable than the chair conformation but more stable than the boat conformation due to minimized steric hindrance and torsional strain.

Related terms

Chair conformation: The most stable geometric arrangement of atoms in cyclohexane featuring alternating axial and equatorial positions that minimize both torsional and steric strain.

Boat conformation: A less stable form of cyclohexane characterized by atoms arranged in a shape resembling a boat, which introduces significant steric strain due to hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms being too close together.

Steric hindrance: A phenomenon where the spatial arrangement of atoms within a molecule prevents chemical reactions or transformations due to physical crowding of the components