Question

What is the configuration of each of the asymmetric centers in the following compounds?

Short answer

Here we have to find the configuration of each of the asymmetric centers in the following compounds:

Step-by-step solution

Some definitions:

What is stereoisomer-

Two or more compounds which differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms are called as stereoisomers i.e the molecules which are stereoisomers of each other are made from same atoms, connected in the same sequence but the atoms are arranged differently in space.

What is stereocentres:

An atom with three or more different attachments and interchanging of two of these attachments leads to another stereoisomer that C-center is called as stereocenter.

All asymmetric centres are stereocentres but all stereocentres can’t be asymmetric.

What is asymmetric centre or chiral carbon-

Chiral objects are those objects which have no same mirror images. The mirror images don’t superimpose each other. whose mirror images superimpose each other that compounds are called achiral objects.

Chiral carbon is that carbon atom which is bonded to four different groups.

How to find configuration

1. Assign the priority order to the groups on the basis of atomic number. Higher the atomic number get highest priority.
2. Double bond is considered as carbon is attached to 2 carbons.
3. Triple bond is considered as carbon is attached to 3 carbons.
4. Lowest priority group is always on dotted line.
5. If lowest priority group is not on dotted line then exchange the group with that group which is on dotted line and to maintain the stability of the compound we have to exchange other two compounds also.
6. Then according to priority order we have to determine the configuration. We have to go highest priority order to lowest priority order and if we go clockwise then it is R configuration and if we go anticlockwise then it is S configuration.