Ring Strain Practice Problems

cis-1,2-diethylcyclopropane has a larger heat of combustion than that of the trans isomer. Determine the more stable isomer. Explain your answer using drawings.

Determine the total strain energy of cyclooctane using the values shown below.

                 Actual heat of formation of cyclooctane = −29.7 kcal/mol

                 Strainless heat of formation of cyclooctane = −39.4 kcal/mol

Explain why cyclopropane (C ₃H₆) and cyclobutane (C₄H₈) are more reactive than other cycloalkanes.