Question

Draw the skeletal structure of trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane.

Answer 1

To draw the skeletal structure of trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane, begin with a chair conformation of cyclohexane and add a methyl group axial up to the first carbon and another axial down to the second carbon, ensuring they are in a trans configuration.

Step-by-step explanation:

How to Draw Trans-1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane

To draw the skeletal structure of trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane, we will follow a process similar to drawing a chair conformation of cyclohexane, but include the methyl groups in a trans configuration. Refer to the steps provided for drawing a cyclohexane chair conformation and apply the following modifications to include the methyl groups.

1. Draw the cyclohexane chair conformation skeleton as described in the provided steps.
2. Identify the first and second carbon atoms in the cyclohexane ring.
3. Add a methyl group (CH3) axial up to carbon 1 and another methyl group axial down to carbon 2 to represent the methyl groups in a trans configuration.
4. Double-check to ensure the two methyl groups are on opposite sides of the cyclohexane ring plane; one is up, and the other is down, but both are axial.
5. Finalize the drawing by making sure all other hydrogen atoms are in their proper axial or equatorial positions.

This skeletal diagram demonstrates the cyclohexane ring with two methyl substituents in a trans arrangement, which is important in understanding the stereochemistry of the compound.