Cahn–Ingold–Prelog Priority Rules - Multiple Descriptors in One Molecule

Multiple Descriptors in One Molecule

If a compound has more than one stereocenter each center is denoted by either R or S.

For example, ephedrine exists with both (1R,2S) and (1S,2R) configuration, known as diastereomers. This compound also exists with a (1R,2R) and (1S,2S) configuration. The last two stereoisomers are not ephedrine, but pseudoephedrine. All isomers are 2-methylamino-1-phenyl-1-propanol in systematic nomenclature. Pseudoephedrine is chemically distinct from ephedrine with only the three dimensional configuration in space, as notated by the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog rules.

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