relative/absolute configuration

[BrownieDDD]

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So in SN2 absolute config can be retained or inverted, depending on the priority of the incoming Nu and the leaving group.

but what is relative configuration? is it strictly used for stereoisomers ? I ask because what if there was one chiral center and a another bond that is NOT a chiral center is cleaved. Is the new molecule a relative confirguration to the old one and is it inverted? absolute config is retained bc the chiral center wasn't touched.

As for stereoisomers with one chiral center such as R ----(going to )-->R or R-->S or S-->S or S-->R, is relative and absolute configuration basically the same thing in these?

and is relative config in sn2 always inverted?

 

[ijk90825]

I think you're confused? Isn't SN2 that is inverted all the time and SN1 is racemic?

 

[BrownieDDD]

No, SN2 absolute configuration may sometimes be retained or inverted.