Determining Stereochemical Relationships for Acyclic Structures
There are five different methods that can be used to determine the stereochemical relationship between acyclic molecules drawn using different three-dimensional representations. One of these methods utilizes the assignments of
R and
S in a molecule. The other four types are based on making physical comparisions to determine whether or not a pair of molecules can be related by superimposibility and a mirror image. Choose whether you feel most comfortable with assigning stereocenters with their
R or
S orientations, or whether you prefer a particular three-dimensional representation for comparing molecules. Select the option with which you feel most confident for making complex structural comparisons. Each section will have its own Testing Your Knowledge section and answer key, designed to match the option that you have chosen.
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