Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Stereochemistry
Stereochemistry is the study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical behavior. It is crucial for understanding isomerism, particularly in chiral molecules, where the arrangement of substituents around a chiral center can lead to different stereoisomers with distinct properties.
Recommended video:
Polymer Stereochemistry Concept 1
Chirality
Chirality refers to the geometric property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, much like left and right hands. A chiral center, typically a carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, is essential for determining the absolute stereochemistry of a molecule, which can be designated as R or S based on the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules.
Recommended video:
Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Rules
The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) rules are a set of guidelines used to assign priorities to substituents attached to a chiral center. By evaluating the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the chiral carbon, chemists can determine the order of priority, which is then used to assign the stereochemical configuration as either R (rectus) or S (sinister) based on the arrangement of these substituents.
Recommended video:
The 18 and 16 Electron Rule