Conformations of Substituted Cyclohexane

A molecule’s conformation is described as the shape it takes as a result of rotation around one or more single bonds. In the case of alkanes, for example, electrons are distributed throughout the internuclear axis of the C-C bond. This also allows for unrestricted rotation around the C-C single bond, resulting in various spatial configurations of the carbon atoms. Conformation is the term for the procedure described above. Alkanes have an endless number of conformations as a result of rotation around single C-C bonds. Conformational Isomers are ranked differently as well. The energy levels determine the ranking of conformational isomers.

What is Cyclohexane?

Cyclohexane is a cyclic structure made up of six carbons along with hydrogens. This is a colourless and flammable liquid with the chemical formula C6H12. The cyclohexane never dissolves in water but dissolves in other solvents like alcohol, ether, acetone, and benzene. The odour of cyclohexane is mild and is widely available in crude oils, cigarette smokes, and volcanic eruptions. The name is sufficient to explain that it is cyclic. 

Substituted Cyclohexane

Whenever any carbon of cyclohexane is substituted by the atom of some or other elements, then that cyclohexane is termed as substituted cyclohexane. 

Production of Cyclohexane

• By fractional distillation of petroleum. 

• Catalytic hydrogenation of benzene with the aid of rhodium on carbon.

Structure of Cyclohexane

Due to the formation of rings or the cyclic structure, cyclohexane does not end with CH3. If you wish to draw cyclohexane, it is similar to that of a hexagon. Each carbon is fully saturated and is denoted with a point. Each hydrogen and carbon atom look alike when you draw the structure of the cyclohexane. 

The odour of cyclohexane resembles that of a detergent. This is a nonpolar liquid which means that cyclohexane has zero dipole moment.

Conformations of Cyclohexane

There are various forms and structures of cyclohexane. Angle strain is absent in the three most used cyclohexane conformations. These are described below. 

• Boat configuration: This configuration of the cyclohexane resembles that of the boat. Boat form is unstable due to flag pole repulsion.

• Chair configuration: The chair configuration of the cyclohexane is just like the chair structure. In this type of configuration, two types of bonds are possible: axial and equatorial bonds. The axial bonds are directed towards the axis of the ring, whereas the equatorial bonds are directed towards the equator of the rings. Chair form has negligible angle strain.

• Skew configuration or twist boat

The most stable structure of cyclohexane is the chair configuration. Due to the formation of the irregular bond in the boat and skew configuration, both are less stable than the chair configuration. The less stability of the other two compounds is due to the torsional strain. The boat configuration is also unstable to the crowding of hydrogen atoms.

Uses of Cyclohexane

• Cyclohexane is the perfect solvent to dissolve the compounds like cellulose, ether, fats, and waxes.

• This is also used to manufacture perfumes, lacquers, paint, varnish removers, and other products. 

• It helps in the industrial recrystallizing of steroids, solid fuels, and analytical chemistry. 

• Cyclohexane is added to petroleum in order to reduce smoke and particulate matter.

Conclusion

This blog covers all the essential topics related to cyclohexane. There are two ways to produce cyclohexane, which is also mentioned in this article. The structure of cyclohexane is a unique one. There are three types of conformations of cyclohexane described in this article. In a nutshell, this article provides necessary arguments regarding cyclohexane.