What is the most thermodynamically stable chair conformation for the substituents on cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tert-butyl group is a bulky substituent and prefers to be in the equatorial position to minimize steric hindrance. On the other hand, the hydroxyl group prefers the axial position because it has a higher affinity for polar solvents and can form hydrogen bonds more effectively in that conformation. Therefore, the most thermodynamically stable chair conformation for cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol would have the tert-butyl group equatorial and the hydroxyl group axial.

What Is the Most Thermodynamically Stable Chair Conformation for the Substituents