Which cycloalkane experiences the least angle strain?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which cycloalkane among the given options experiences the least amount of angle strain. Angle strain arises from the deviation of bond angles from the ideal tetrahedral angle (approximately 109.5°) in cycloalkanes. The closer the ring's bond angles are to this ideal, the less angle strain it experiences.
Answer
Cyclohexane
The cycloalkane that experiences the least angle strain is cyclohexane.
Answer for screen readers
The cycloalkane that experiences the least angle strain is cyclohexane.
More Information
Cyclohexane is able to minimize angle strain through its chair conformation, where all the carbon-carbon bonds are close to the ideal tetrahedral angle.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming cyclopentane has the least strain because its planar geometry is closest to the ideal tetrahedral angle. However, cyclopentane experiences significant eclipsing strain, while cyclohexane can adopt a chair conformation to minimize strain.
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