R/S Nomenclature

R/S nomenclature is a system used in chemistry to describe the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms around a chiral center (a carbon atom with four different groups attached). "R" (from Latin "rectus") indicates a clockwise (right) configuration, while "S" (from Latin "sinister") indicates a counterclockwise (left) arrangement when the groups are prioritized and viewed from a specific perspective. This system helps scientists specify the exact spatial orientation of molecules, which can significantly influence biological activity and properties.