How does equatorial preference influence the stability of pyranose chair conformations?

• A. Equatorial preference destabilizes the conformation by increasing steric hindrance with bulky groups in axial positions.
• B. Equatorial preference stabilizes the conformation by maximizing steric hindrance with bulky groups in axial positions.
• C. Equatorial preference stabilizes the conformation by minimizing steric hindrance with bulky groups in equatorial positions.
• D. Equatorial preference has no impact on stability as it only affects the flexibility of the conformation.

Answer: (C)