Question

When comparing the two chair conformations for a monosubstituted cyclohexane ring, which type of substituent shows the greatest preference for occupying an equatorial position rather than an axial position

Answer 1

Answer:

See the explanation

Explanation:

In this case, we have to keep in mind that in the monosubstituted product we only have to replace 1 hydrogen with another group. In this case, we are going to use the methyl group $CH_3$.

In the axial position, we have a more steric hindrance because we have two hydrogens near to the $CH_3$ group. If we have more steric hindrance the molecule would be more unstable. In the equatorial positions, we don't any interactions because the $CH_3$ group is pointing out. If we don't have any steric hindrance the molecule will be more stable, that's why the molecule will the equatorial position.

See figure 1

I hope it helps!