Draw a Fischer projection for each compound.


Remember that the cross represents an asymmetric carbon atom, and the carbon chain should be along the vertical, with the IUPAC numbering from top to bottom.


e. (R)-glyceraldehyde, <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of (R)-glyceraldehyde. It is a three-carbon sugar with an aldehyde group at the top (C-1), a hydroxyl group on the second carbon (C-2), and a primary alcohol group at the bottom (C-3).
2. Understand that in a Fischer projection, the vertical lines represent bonds going away from you (into the plane), and the horizontal lines represent bonds coming towards you (out of the plane).
3. Place the aldehyde group (CHO) at the top of the vertical line, as it is the highest priority group according to IUPAC nomenclature.
4. Position the hydroxyl group (OH) on the horizontal line to the right of the central carbon (C-2) to represent the (R) configuration. This is determined by the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules, where the OH group has higher priority than the hydrogen atom.
5. Complete the Fischer projection by placing the hydrogen atom on the left of the central carbon (C-2) and the CH2OH group at the bottom of the vertical line.

Key Concepts

Fischer Projections

Fischer projections are a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional organic molecules, particularly useful for depicting stereochemistry. In these diagrams, vertical lines represent bonds that project behind the plane of the page, while horizontal lines represent bonds that project out of the page. This format is especially important for visualizing the configuration of chiral centers in molecules.

Chirality and Asymmetric Carbon

Chirality refers to the property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, often due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom. An asymmetric carbon, or chiral center, is a carbon atom bonded to four different substituents, leading to two possible configurations (R or S). Understanding chirality is crucial for determining the stereochemical properties of compounds like glyceraldehyde.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds, providing a unique name that conveys the structure of the molecule. In the context of Fischer projections, IUPAC rules dictate how to number the carbon chain, which is essential for accurately representing the molecule's structure. Proper nomenclature ensures clarity and consistency in communication among chemists.