Help! chemistry nomenclature

[javasaurus]

Anyone remember their chemistry?

What is the specific meaning of alpha- (beta-, gamma-, and delta-) when applied to organic compounds?

I know E vs Z, R vs S, (+) vs (-), and even @ vs @@ (from SMILES coding), but alpha, beta, etc., I can't remember, and can't find defined online.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks!

Comments

[wilhelmina-d.livejournal.com]

Not a clue, I'm afraid. Good luck, though!