1) Use a molecular mechanics program, e.g., as in Chem3D, to calculate the relative steric energies of 2a, 2e, 3a and 3e. Based upon these calculated parameters which is the most stable conformation for the trans and cis diastereoisomers. Based upon these calculated parameters predict whether the cis or trans 3,3,5-trimethylyclohexanol should be the predominant produc.