Skip to content
    Chemistry A-Level

    CIP priority rules

    What CIP priority rules means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of CIP priority rules

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain CIP priority rules in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Rules applied to assign priorities to the groups on each doubly bonded carbon so that an alkene can be labelled E or Z.
    AQA · Isomerism (study guide)
    Rules that decide which group on each end of a double bond takes priority, and therefore whether the isomer is E or Z.
    AQA · Isomerism (study guide)
    Priority at each carbon is assigned using Cahn–Ingold–Prelog rules, where the higher atomic number wins.
    OCR · Alkenes

    Topics that use CIP priority rules

    Related terms

    Using CIP priority rules in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Chemistry questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Chemistry A-Level terms