Question

The most stable conformational isomer of cis-1-bromo-2-chlorocyclohexane will have:

• A. both halide atoms in axial positions
• B. both halide atoms in equatorial positions
• C. bromine atom in an axial position and the chlorine atom in an equatorial position
• D. bromine atom in an equatorial position and the chlorine atom in an axial position

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

both halide atoms in axial positions

The most stable conformational isomer of cis$-1-$bromo$-2-$chlorocyclohexane will have bromine atom in an equatorial position and chlorine atom in axial position, so $Br$ atom is larger in size so it will occupy equatorial position and $cis$ geometry made chlorine atom to occupy axial position.