(R)-1-Fluoroethylamine (C₂H₆FN) - R or S Configuration

Is (R)-1-Fluoroethylamine R or S?

(R)-1-Fluoroethylamine (C₂H₆FN) has 1 chiral center. Tests F vs N priority - the most common CIP error on exams. Students memorize "N is high priority" but fluorine (Z=9) beats nitrogen (Z=7).. The configuration is R based on CIP priority rules.

FormulaC₂H₆FN
Name(R)-1-Fluoroethylamine
Number of Chiral Centers1
Configuration(s)R
DifficultyAdvanced

Chiral Center Analysis

(R)-1-Fluoroethylamine (C₂H₆FN) contains 1 chiral center. Tests F vs N priority - the most common CIP error on exams. Students memorize "N is high priority" but fluorine (Z=9) beats nitrogen (Z=7).. Each chiral center is analyzed below using CIP (Cahn-Ingold-Prelog) priority rules to determine R or S configuration.

CIP Priority Assignment

The four substituents on the chiral center are ranked by atomic number of the directly attached atom, with ties broken by exploring outward along each branch.

R/S Configuration

With the lowest priority group (priority 4) oriented away from the viewer, the remaining three substituents trace a clockwise path from priority 1 to 2 to 3. This gives the R configuration.

Interactive stereochemistry explorer with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes.

Assign R/S Configuration for (R)-1-Fluoroethylamine Step by Step

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