Chapter C, Problem C.1P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The atom in the given pair that has the higher priority is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

When assigning priorities to substituents, the atom having the greater atomic number has the higher priority. In case of comparison between isotopes, the one having the greater atomic mass gets the higher priority.

Answer to Problem C.1P

F has the higher priority.

Explanation of Solution

The given pair of atoms is: F and O.

The atomic number of fluorine is 9 while that of oxygen is 8.

Thus, fluorine has a greater atomic number than oxygen. Hence, F gets the higher priority in this pair.

Conclusion

Fluorine has a greater atomic number than oxygen, and hence, it gets a higher priority.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The atom in the given pair that has the higher priority is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

When assigning priorities to substituents, the atom having the greater atomic number has the higher priority. In case of comparison between isotopes, the one having the greater atomic mass gets the higher priority.

Answer to Problem C.1P

P has the higher priority.

Explanation of Solution

The given pair of atoms is: P and F.

The atomic number of phosphorus is 15 while that of fluorine is 9.

Thus, phosphorus has a greater atomic number than fluorine. Hence, P gets the higher priority in this pair.

Conclusion

Phosphorus has a greater atomic number than fluorine, and hence, it gets a higher priority.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The atom in the given pair that has the higher priority is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

When assigning priorities to substituents, the atom having the greater atomic number has the higher priority. In case of comparison between isotopes, the one having the greater atomic mass gets the higher priority.

Answer to Problem C.1P

${}^{13}C$ has the higher priority.

Explanation of Solution

The given pair of atoms is: ${}^{13}C$ and ${}^{12}C$.

${}^{13}C$ and ${}^{12}C$ are isotopes and have the same atomic number. In this case, ${}^{13}C$ has a greater atomic mass, and hence, it has a higher priority than ${}^{12}C$.

Conclusion

${}^{13}C$ has a greater atomic mass than ${}^{12}C$, and hence, it gets a higher priority.