Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory

Workshop 1 — Symmetry elements and operations


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  • Exercise 7

    An inversion centre (element i) may be located either:

    1. In a single atom at the centre of a molecule; or
    2. In space at the centre of a molecule, often at the midpoint of a bond.

    If the centre is in space, then all the atoms must be present in pairs, located either side of the centre. If it is at an atom, then that atom only must be present in an odd number. Thus AB3 molecules, for example, can never have an inversion centre.

    Indicate which of the following molecules have inversion centres:

    Molecule 3D Image Inversion Centre
    SOCl2
    Click for larger image
    SO2Cl2
    Click for larger image
    CH4
    Click for larger image
    C2H4
    Click for larger image
    trans-CHCl=CHCl
    Click for larger image

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