One of the most frequently asked exam questions in this chapter is: “What is the relationship between the following two molecules?”. We’re going to learn a systematic method to solve these questions.
Concept #1: Different atoms or different connectivity.
Concept #2: Same atoms, same connectivity, 0 chiral centers.
Concept #3: Same atoms, same connectivity, 1 chiral center.
Concept #4: Same atoms, same connectivity, 2 or more chiral centers.
Concept #5: Same atoms, same connectivity, 1 or more trigonal centers.
Concept #6: When to use R and S, when you don’t have to.
Solving for R and S on every single molecule can be a headache. If the molecule hasn’t been rotated, feel free to use “different or same” as a surrogate for R and S (we’ll practice this so you see what I mean).
Practice: Identify the relationship between the following organic compounds:
Practice: Identify the relationship between the following organic compounds:
Practice: Identify the relationship between the following organic compounds:
Practice: Identify the relationship between the following organic compounds: