Why is the chair conformation of pyranose rings more stable than the boat conformation?

• A. The boat conformation allows for more flexibility in substituent positioning.
• B. The boat conformation is more stable due to its higher energy state.
• C. The chair conformation has more axial substituents, reducing steric hindrance.
• D. The chair conformation encounters less steric hindrance due to equatorial positioning of substituents.

Answer: (D)