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7.06: The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog R-S Notational System

  • Page ID
    192106
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    To indicate the absolute three-dimensional configuration about a chirality center, the letters R and S are used.

     

    Image: chirality

     

    Identify the chirality center

    rank the four atoms attached to the chirality center in order of their atomic mass

    largest atomic mass = priority 1

    second largest atomic mass = priority 2

    third largest atomic mass = priority 3

    smallest atomic mass = priority 4

    orient the lowest priority atom so that it points away from you

     

    1-2-3 clockwise: R

    1-2-3 counter-clockwise: S

     

    comparing groups of atoms – first point of difference


    7.06: The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog R-S Notational System is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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