Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 201) Stereochemistry, R/S, Enantiomers, and Diastereomers Study Guide
University of Florida
Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 201) | Study Guide

Overview
A focused organic chemistry guide for assigning configuration, comparing stereoisomers, and avoiding the most common stereochemistry exam traps.

Key topics
•chiral centers and stereogenic atoms
•Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules
•R and S configuration assignment
•enantiomers vs diastereomers vs meso compounds
•Fischer projections and wedge-dash conversions

Suggested study tasks
•assign R/S for 10 practice molecules
•convert 4 Fischer projections into wedge-dash drawings
•classify pairs as identical enantiomers or diastereomers
•identify meso compounds from symmetry
•make a stereochemistry decision tree for quizzes

Common pitfalls
•ranking priorities by atom count instead of atomic number
•forgetting to reverse when the lowest priority group points forward
•calling all non-identical stereoisomers enantiomers
•missing internal symmetry in meso compounds
•rotating Fischer projections incorrectly