Given an energy diagram of pyranose conformations, which conformation would you expect to predominate and why?

• A. The chair conformation would predominate because it is lower in energy and more stable.
• B. The chair conformation would predominate because it has more axial substituents.
• C. The boat conformation would predominate because it is higher in energy and less stable.
• D. Both conformations would be equally predominant due to similar energy levels.

Answer: (A)