According to the strict application of the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) sequence rules for determining E — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
According to the strict application of the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) sequence rules for determining E/Z configuration, which of the following represents the correct descending order of priority for the given functional substituents?
💡 Solution & Explanation
CIP priority strictly dictates that the directly attached atom with the highest atomic number receives the highest priority. In option A: Iodine (53) > Bromine (35) > Chlorine (17) > Nitrogen (7), which is a perfectly correct descending order. In D, $-CHO$ (Carbon bonded to (O, O, H)) beats $-CH_2OH$ (Carbon bonded to (O, H, H)), making the sequence incorrect.