• Treat double and triple bonds as if each were a bond to a separate atom. For this method, imagine that each π bond is broken and the atoms at both ends duplicated. Note that when you break a bond, you always add two imaginary atoms.

• Using a three-dimensional drawing, put the fourth-priority group away from you and view the molecule along the bond from the asymmetric carbon to the fourth-priority group. Draw an arrow from the first-priority group, through the second, to the third. If the arrow points clockwise, the asymmetric carbon atom is called (R). If the arrow points counter-clockwise, the chiral carbon carbon atom is called (S).

A few examples are given to clarify the assignment of priority and configuration.