ABSOLUTE CONFIGURATION Meaning and
Definition
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Absolute configuration in chemistry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, specifically the spatial orientation of substituents around a chiral center. A chiral center is an atom, typically carbon, that is bonded to four different substituents. These substituents can be groups of atoms or individual atoms.
The absolute configuration is determined by the rules of stereochemistry, such as the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) system, which assigns priority to substituents based on the atomic number of the atoms directly bonded to the chiral center. The substituents are ranked from highest to lowest priority, and the molecule is then oriented so that the lowest priority substituent points away from the observer. The arrangement of the remaining substituents then defines the absolute configuration.
The absolute configuration is denoted by the R/S system, which assigns the labels R (rectus) or S (sinister) to each chiral center. The labels indicate the direction of rotation in a coordinate system and are determined by visualizing the molecule in a specific orientation. For example, if the arrangement of substituents around a chiral center results in clockwise rotation, it is labeled as R, and if it results in counterclockwise rotation, it is labeled as S.
Knowing the absolute configuration of a molecule is crucial because it determines its chiral properties, such as its biological activity, interactions with enzymes, and interactions with other chiral molecules. Various methods, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational methods, can be employed to determine the absolute configuration of a molecule experimentally.
Common Misspellings for ABSOLUTE CONFIGURATION
- zbsolute configuration
- sbsolute configuration
- wbsolute configuration
- qbsolute configuration
- avsolute configuration
- ansolute configuration
- ahsolute configuration
- agsolute configuration
- abaolute configuration
- abzolute configuration
- abxolute configuration
- abdolute configuration
- abeolute configuration
- abwolute configuration
- absilute configuration
- absklute configuration
- absllute configuration
- absplute configuration
- abs0lute configuration
- abs9lute configuration
Etymology of ABSOLUTE CONFIGURATION
The word "absolute" in the term "absolute configuration" comes from the Latin word "absolutus", which means "loosed" or "released". In this context, "absolute" indicates that the configuration is determined without any ambiguity or uncertainty.
The term "configuration" is borrowed from the Latin word "configuratio", which means "arrangement" or "shape". It refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
Therefore, "absolute configuration" implies the definite arrangement or spatial orientation of atoms in a molecule without any ambiguity or alternative possibilities.
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