Draw 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexamethylcyclohexane with all the methyl groups
a. in axial positions.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by drawing the basic structure of cyclohexane, which is a six-membered ring. Cyclohexane typically adopts a chair conformation to minimize steric strain.
2. Step 2: Label the carbon atoms in the ring from 1 to 6 to keep track of the positions where the methyl groups will be added.
3. Step 3: Recall that in the chair conformation, each carbon atom has two substituent positions: one axial (pointing straight up or down) and one equatorial (pointing outward and slightly angled). For this problem, all methyl groups will be placed in axial positions.
4. Step 4: Add a methyl group (CH₃) to the axial position of each carbon atom in the ring. Use dashed or solid wedges to indicate whether the axial position is pointing up or down, depending on the orientation of the chair conformation.
5. Step 5: Double-check your drawing to ensure that all six methyl groups are correctly placed in axial positions and that the chair conformation is accurately represented. Verify that the structure adheres to the rules of stereochemistry and avoids any errors in bond placement.

Key Concepts

Cyclohexane Conformation

Cyclohexane can adopt different conformations, primarily chair and boat forms. The chair conformation is the most stable due to minimized steric strain. In this conformation, substituents can occupy either axial (pointing up or down) or equatorial (pointing outward) positions, affecting the overall stability of the molecule.

Axial vs. Equatorial Positions

In cyclohexane derivatives, substituents can be positioned axially or equatorially. Axial substituents are aligned parallel to the axis of the ring, while equatorial substituents extend outward from the ring. Axial positions can lead to 1,3-diaxial interactions, increasing steric strain and making the molecule less stable compared to when substituents are in equatorial positions.

Steric Hindrance

Steric hindrance refers to the repulsion between atoms that occurs when they are brought close together, often due to the size of the substituents. In the case of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexamethylcyclohexane, placing all methyl groups in axial positions increases steric hindrance, leading to greater strain and a less stable conformation compared to a configuration with equatorial methyl groups.