Which Compound Has R Configuration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying which compound has R configuration in the context of a chemistry problem from the International Chemistry Olympiad. Participants are exploring the configurations of different molecular structures and how their representations affect the determination of R or S configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Debate/contested, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the R/S configuration of compounds based on their drawings.
  • Another participant suggests that the arrangement of groups in the plane of the paper may affect the determination of the configuration.
  • A participant claims to have concluded that the first compound is R after struggling with the problem.
  • Another participant agrees with the conclusion that the first compound is R.
  • A later reply indicates that the answer key from the participant's institute states that the second compound is the correct answer, leading to confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on which compound has R configuration, as participants have differing conclusions and the answer key contradicts their findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of how the compounds are drawn, suggesting that the visual representation may influence the determination of their configurations. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the correct answer based on differing interpretations of the same problem.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for chemistry competitions, educators discussing stereochemistry, and individuals interested in molecular configuration challenges.

AGNuke
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I got this problem today in my International Chemistry Olympiad Paper, quite bugging me this question, so I am better off asking it.

My question is, which of the following has R configuration?

ICho.png



From what I tried, I got both of them as S, and the remaining two options being confirmed S. I got it wrong, but it wouldn't hurt (or it would) to know the right answer.
 
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Were they drawn like this? Usually the two groups in the plane of the paper are adjacent rather than opposite as BOTH of these structures are! Redraw them correctly and the answer will present itself.
 
Yes, they were drawn like this. That's why it posed a problem to me.
 
So, redraw them and the answer will be obvious.
 
Alright, after a lot of struggle, I reached the conclusion that 1st one is R.
 
Me too.
 
UPDATE : In the answer key released by my institute, the answer mentioned is the second one... :confused:
 

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