Pre-lecture Reading Assignment: Assigning R & S

Quick Intro

We chemists need a way to communicate to each other how to draw a stereocenter in a molecule, so we invented the R and S designations for stereocenters. In this lesson we will learn how to assign priorities to the groups attached to a stereocenter and use them to determine whether the stereocenter is designated R or S.

 

Objectives

• Assign priority to groups attached to a stereocenter.
• Assign R or S designation to a stereocenter.
• Rotate molecules and structure drawings in space to facilitate the assignment of R/S.
• Invert the configuration of a stereocenter.

 

Associated Reading

• Smith 3rd ed: Ch 5.6
• Smith 4th ed: Ch 5.6
• Smith 5th ed: Ch 5.6
• Smith 6th ed: Ch 5.6

 

Your Tasks

Before Class

• Complete assigned reading.
• Get the worksheet for the lecture.

After Class

• Work on more problems.
• Go to a discussion section and/or office hours.
• Review any areas that you struggled with on in-class activities.