(R)-2-Iodobutane (CH₃CHICH₂CH₃) - R or S Configuration
Is (R)-2-Iodobutane R or S?
(R)-2-Iodobutane (CH₃CHICH₂CH₃) has 1 chiral center. Iodine is the largest common halogen (atomic number 53). It always takes priority 1 when present - no chain comparison needed.. The configuration is R based on CIP priority rules.
| Formula | CH₃CHICH₂CH₃ |
| Name | (R)-2-Iodobutane |
| Number of Chiral Centers | 1 |
| Configuration(s) | R |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Chiral Center Analysis
(R)-2-Iodobutane (CH₃CHICH₂CH₃) contains 1 chiral center. Iodine is the largest common halogen (atomic number 53). It always takes priority 1 when present - no chain comparison needed.. 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.
- Priority 1: I - Iodine - highest atomic number (53) of any common substituent
- Priority 2: -CH₂CH₃ - Ethyl group: C with C at second atom - longer chain than methyl
- Priority 3: -CH₃ - Methyl group: C with only H at second atom level
- Priority 4: H - Hydrogen always lowest (atomic number 1)
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.
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