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3D lab · Stereochemistry

Chirality and R/S Configuration in 3D

Assign R and S to chiral centres by rotating real 3D models, compare a molecule with its mirror image and see why one swap inverts the configuration.

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Direct answer

Assign R and S to chiral centres by rotating real 3D models, compare a molecule with its mirror image and see why one swap inverts the configuration.

Rotate the molecule so the lowest-priority group points away from you, then follow 1 → 2 → 3. The mirror image always has the opposite letter and cannot be superimposed.

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Chirality and R/S Configuration in 3D

Stereochemistry

Drag to rotate, two fingers or right-drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom. The toolbar has views, cutaway, measure and “show the maths”.

What's happening? Rotate the molecule so the lowest-priority group points away from you, then follow 1 → 2 → 3. The mirror image always has the opposite letter and cannot be superimposed.
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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do you assign R or S?

Rank the groups by CIP priority, point the lowest away from you and trace 1 → 2 → 3: clockwise is R, anticlockwise is S.

Are R and S related to (+) and (−)?

No. R/S comes from the 3D arrangement; the sign of optical rotation must be measured.

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