Which is more stable: cyclobutane or cycloheptane?

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SUMMARY

Cycloheptane is more stable than cyclobutane due to its bond angles being closer to the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees. The calculated bond angle for cycloheptane is approximately 128.57 degrees, while cyclobutane has a bond angle of 90 degrees. This difference indicates that cycloheptane experiences less angle strain compared to cyclobutane. Additionally, both cyclobutane and cycloheptane are not planar, which further influences their stability.

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Homework Statement


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Which is more stable cyclobutane or cycloheptane?

Homework Equations


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[(n-2)180)]/n = angle

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
So the closer the angle is to 109.5 the more stable (except for cyclopentane vs cyclohexane).
n = number of carbons

[(7-2)180)]/7 = 128.57, 128.57 - 109.5 = 19.07

[(4-2)180)]/4 = 90, 109.5 - 90 = 19.5

cycloheptane is closer to 109.5 so its more stable?
 
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Are cyclobutane and cycloheptane planar?
 

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