A tert-butyl group has a greater preference for the equatorial position than does a methyl group. Explain why this is true.

• A. Since an equatorial position has less room than an axial position, the larger tert-butyl group has a higher preference for an equatorial position.
• B. The reactive tert-butyl group undergoes more extensive electron delocalization when it occupies an equatorial position than when it occupies an axial position. As a result of this, there is a higher preference for a tert-butyl group to occupy an equatorial position.
• C. The tert-butyl group can form more favorable 1,3-diaxial interactions when it occupies an equatorial position. This causes a higher preference for a tert-butyl group to occupy an equatorial position.
• D. Because a tert-butyl group is larger than a methyl group, steric interactions associated with an axial tert-butyl group are greater than those associated with an axial methyl group. As a result of this, there is a higher preference for a tert-butyl group to occupy an equatorial position.

Answer: (D)