Which of the following difluorocyclohexane isomers has the greatest molecular dipole in its least stable chair conformation?
A) cis 1,2-difluorocyclohexane
B) trans 1,2-difluorocyclohexane
C) cis 1,3-difluorocyclohexane
D) trans 1,3-difluorocyclohexane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the least stable chair conformation, the axial fluorine atoms will have a greater effect on the molecular dipole than the equatorial fluorine atoms. In cis 1,2-difluorocyclohexane and trans 1,2-difluorocyclohexane, the two fluorine atoms are both axial or both equatorial, resulting in a smaller molecular dipole. In trans 1,3-difluorocyclohexane, the two fluorine atoms are both equatorial, resulting in a small molecular dipole. However, in cis 1,3-difluorocyclohexane, one fluorine atom is axial and one is equatorial, resulting in the largest molecular dipole among the given isomers.

Which of the Following Difluorocyclohexane Isomers Has the Greatest Molecular