Organic Chemistry/Chirality/R-S notational system

Stereoisomers are properly named using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules to decide which parts of the molecule to consider first.

The rules have evolved to cover many situations, but the basic rules are:


 * 1) Consider the first atom of each part of the molecule. An atom with higher atomic number has higher priority. (e.g. I > Cl > C > H)
 * 2) If the first atom of two groups is the same, consider the second atom(s) in the same way as the first. (e.g. -C(CH3)3 > -CH(CH3)2 > -CH2CH3 > -CH3). If this does not assign priority, consider the next atoms until there is a difference.

Realize that when you do this it will mean that sometimes groups with higher total weights will have lower priority because of a lower weight of the atom that connects them.

R and S Notation
R- and S-notation use the CIP priority rules for the assignment of the absolute configuration around a stereocenter.

First, assign priorities as described above to each bonded group surrounding the stereocenter (1, highest to 4, lowest).

Second, point the lowest priority (4) atom away from you. Follow the direction of the remaining 3 priorities from highest to lowest priority (lowest to highest number, 1<2<3).

A counterclockwise direction is an S (sinister, Latin for left) configuration. A clockwise direction is an R (rectus, Latin for right) configuration.

R-S system RULES OF PRIORITY ORDER:-

(1)According to the atomic number when only atom is present and in a group the direct attached atom is considered with atomic number. (2)When two or more groups have similar first atom, the priority is determined by considering the atomic number of second atom. (3)If the first atom of two same groups have same substitutes of higher no will get more priority. (4)More atomic number containing atom and how many atoms are present of the higher atomic number containing elements.

E-Z notation
The R-/S- notation is valid only for the absolute configuration of a center having single bonds only. In the case of a double bond, the traditional cis/trans nomenclature system is not sufficiently accurate and the E-/Z- is currently preferred.

The basis is again the CIP priority rules.

See main discussion: E-Z notation