Chapter 5
Q. 5.3
Assigning Configuration to a Chirality Center
Orient each of the following drawings so that the lowest-ranked group is toward the rear, and then assign R or S configuration:
S t r a t e g y
It takes practice to be able to visualize and orient a chirality center in three dimensions. You might start by indicating where the observer must be located—180° opposite the lowest-ranked group. Then imagine yourself in the position of the observer, and redraw what you would see.
Step-by-Step
Verified Solution
In (a), you would be located in front of the page toward the top right of the molecule, and you would see group 2 to your left, group 3 to your right, and group 1 below you. This corresponds to an R configuration.
In (b), you would be located behind the page toward the top left of the molecule from your point of view, and you would see group 3 to your left, group 1 to your right, and group 2 below you. This also corresponds to an R configuration.
