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Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: zeshkani on March 16, 2007, 05:11:18 PM

Title: point group symmetry
Post by: zeshkani on March 16, 2007, 05:11:18 PM

hi there, i have a problem i just cannot figure out the symmetry of this compound, any help is welcome

the picture of the molecule is in the file

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: hmx9123 on March 17, 2007, 07:07:56 PM

This is easier if you post an actual picture instead of a picture inside a word document.

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: Ψ×Ψ on March 17, 2007, 07:11:22 PM

Might be helpful if you listed the symmetry elements present in the molecule?

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: zeshkani on March 18, 2007, 12:11:18 AM

this is the formula, since i can't place the pic directly here
[(Cl)₃W(µ-Cl)₃W(Cl)₃]^3-

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: Yggdrasil on March 18, 2007, 01:36:31 PM

Well, the first step in figuring out the point group symmetry is to determine the principle rotation axis.

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: hmx9123 on March 20, 2007, 01:02:22 PM

Posting a pic is under the 'Additional Options' tab, though you need to be able to extract a picture from Word and save it as a jpg or something in order to get the file itself.  I've done so and posted it here so we can have a discussion.

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: zeshkani on March 21, 2007, 10:45:49 AM

dosent it have a C3 rotational axis thru the tungsten i believe thats the principle axis

Title: Re: point group symmetry
Post by: Yggdrasil on March 21, 2007, 01:23:52 PM

Yes.  Now look for C₂ axes perpendicular to the principle axis.  Are there any?  If so, how many?  Also look for mirror planes perpendicular to, or parallel to the principle axis.