- #1
DirtyD
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1. In the chair conformation, why would 1-bromo-tetrahydropyran be more stable in the axial position, as opposed to the equitorial position? (Hint: consider how the bromo group affects the attached carbon and what the oxygen could do to alleviate that.)
2. No relevant equations
3. I am thinking this whole thing has to due with steric hinderance and charge sharing. I think that even though the bromine would be hindered with the pi bond electrons of the carbon in the axial position, it would be even more sterically hindered in the equitorial position with the oxygen. Also since bromine is a good leaving group, its relevant to think that the bromine could leave and there would be a resulting negative charge left with the molecule. Since the oxygen is highly electronegative, it could better handle the resulting negative charge. Also, with the bromine in the axial position, it would be easier for another molecule to attach to the carbon allowing for the bromine to leave.
Any help or critique of my thinking would be a great help!
2. No relevant equations
3. I am thinking this whole thing has to due with steric hinderance and charge sharing. I think that even though the bromine would be hindered with the pi bond electrons of the carbon in the axial position, it would be even more sterically hindered in the equitorial position with the oxygen. Also since bromine is a good leaving group, its relevant to think that the bromine could leave and there would be a resulting negative charge left with the molecule. Since the oxygen is highly electronegative, it could better handle the resulting negative charge. Also, with the bromine in the axial position, it would be easier for another molecule to attach to the carbon allowing for the bromine to leave.
Any help or critique of my thinking would be a great help!