Chapter 5: Problem 63
Draw tetrahedral representations of the two enantiomers of the amino acid cysteine, \(\mathrm{HSCH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{2}\right) \mathrm{CO}_{2} \mathrm{H},\) and identify each as \(R\) or \(S .\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Draw each enantiomer's tetrahedral representation, assigning R or S based on the priority path direction: clockwise for R, counterclockwise for S.
Step by step solution
01
Assign Priorities to Substituents
For the central carbon in cysteine, identify the four substituents: -SH (sulfur-containing group), -CH\(_3\) (methyl group), -NH\(_2\) (amino group), and -COOH (carboxyl group). Assign priorities based on atomic number. The order of priority is SH > COOH > NH\(_2\) > CH\(_3\).
02
Arrange Molecule for Visualization
Visualize the tetrahedral arrangement of the substituents around the central carbon atom such that the lowest priority group (often hydrogen, but here a group like CH\(_3\)) is oriented away from you. This can be visualized as if it is behind the plane of the paper or screen.
03
Determine Configuration Using Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Rules
When looking at the chiral center, trace a path from the highest to the lowest priority (excluding the one pointing away). If this path is clockwise, the configuration is R; if it is counterclockwise, it is S.
04
Analyze Each Enantiomer
Draw the structure of cysteine to represent each enantiomer. Start with one possible arrangement and assign R or S configuration based on the path traced. Draw the mirror image for the other form and assign the opposite configuration.
05
Label Each Enantiomer
Label one structure as R-cysteine if the path traced clockwise matches with R and label the other as S-cysteine when traced counterclockwise. Both configurations are always mirror images.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules
The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules are essential for determining the configuration of chiral centers in molecules. These rules help us assign a priority to each of the four substituents attached to a chiral center, which is usually a central carbon atom.
Here's how the rules work:
Here's how the rules work:
- Priority is assigned based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the chiral center; the higher the atomic number, the higher the priority.
- If two atoms attached to the center are the same, you compare the atoms bonded to these atoms, moving outward until a difference is found.
- For isotopes, the heavier isotope gets priority.
- Double and triple bonds are treated as if they are bonded to equivalent multiple three or four single-bonded atoms.
Tetrahedral stereochemistry
Tetrahedral stereochemistry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms around a central atom, typically carbon, in organic molecules. A key aspect of stereochemistry is understanding how atoms are spatially oriented to affect molecular behavior, important when studying chiral molecules.
The tetrahedral geometry involves:
The tetrahedral geometry involves:
- A central atom bonded to four different substituents.
- The bonds radiate out from the central atom at 109.5° angles, forming a three-dimensional shape.
- The molecule's orientation determines how light is rotated concerning the chiral centers within these structures.
Chiral center configuration
A chiral center, often found in organic molecules, is a carbon atom bonded to four distinct substituents. The configuration at the chiral center determines whether the molecule is an enantiomer's "R" or "S" form.
To determine this configuration:
To determine this configuration:
- Assign priorities using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules to each substituent.
- Position the molecule so the lowest priority substituent is oriented away from you. It resembles having this group behind the plane of focus.
- Observe the sequence from highest to the lowest priority group and trace the path. If the tracing path is clockwise, the configuration is "R" (rectus for "right"); if counterclockwise, it is "S" (sinister for "left").