Chirality: The Handedness of Molecules - How do we Designate the Configuration of a Stereocenter?

3 important questions on Chirality: The Handedness of Molecules - How do we Designate the Configuration of a Stereocenter?

What is the R, S system?

A set of rules for specifying the configuration about a stereoisomer.

What are the steps to assign the R,S configuration?

1. Locate the chiral center and assign priority to it's four substituents.
2. Orient the molecule in such a way that the number 4 is directed away from you.
3. Read the other substituents in order.
4. In a clockwise order the configuration is designated R. The other way it is designated S.

How are the chiral centers of the active and inactive ibuprofen designated?

R-ibuprofen is the inactive variant.

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