The Boat vs. the Chair

IrishKnight · 2009-05-06 12:52:45

Can someone explain why the chair conf. of D-gluopyranose is more stable than the boat conf. I know it has something to with with which side groups being equatorial or axial but other than that I have no idea...

06-05-2009 01:52PM

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IrishKnight

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Can someone explain why the chair conf. of D-gluopyranose is more stable than the boat conf. I know it has something to with with which side groups being equatorial or axial but other than that I have no idea...

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#2 07-05-2009 05:55PM

dirtyden

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Is is entirely due to steric strain. The compound will assume the conformation which is the least sterically strained. If you create 3d models of the sugar, or try to draw 3d diagrams it should be clear that the form which limits steric clashes between sidechains will be the favored one.

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#3 08-05-2009 12:52PM

napapa

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read up on the anomeric effect in sugars

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#4 10-05-2009 08:59PM

Marvinthefish

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If you're looking for information about it you should probably search for "D-Glucose" rather than "D-glucopyranose". They're exactly the same molecule. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. A sugar by another name tastes the same and has the same conformation!:p

.....I'll get my coat.

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