Questions tagged [symmetry]
The description of the symmetry present in molecules. Molecular symmetry is useful for explaining or predicting of a molecule's chemical properties.
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Using symmetry and group theory arguments to explain iron(II) in a tetrahedral crystal field
I am trying to figure out how to explain $1s \rightarrow 3d$ spectroscopic transitions for $\ce{Fe^{2+}}$ in $T_\mathrm{d}$ symmetry. These transitions make up the pre-edge region in K edge X-ray ...
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In a molecular dynamics context, is the methyl rotation in propene a symmetric or asymmetric internal rotor?
In a prior question, I asked about the (a)symmetry of the potential energy surface of the methyl rotation of propene. In that context, the kinetic energy of the nuclear motions is of course assumed ...
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Nomenclature: equivalent atoms by single locant
Sometimes the IUPAC name is too verbose despite the structure's high symmetry. If we could use only the first locant of the ("topologically symmetrically") equivalent set of locants, and designate all ...
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Equivalent Wyckoff position in different groups
I am not a chemist, I am a physicist, so please bare with me if what I am asking is rather obvious.
If I have two symmetry groups ($P4/mmm$ and $P\!-\!1$), is there a way to find their respective ...
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Optical activity of tartaric acid
The meso-form of tartaric acid is optically inactive due to the plane of symmetry. But how are these forms able to show optical activity when the σ-bonds can freely rotate, which can change the ...
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diborane fragment orbitals energy of dihydrogen
I want to ask a question about the fragment orbitals of the $\ce{B2H6}$ system, specifically when I combine the $\ce{B2H4}$ with the $\ce{H2}$ fragments.
I am halfway through my inorganic chemistry ...
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How to derive a state symmetry in D2h point group from its wavefunction?
Let's have an atomic carbon with the following electron configuration:
$$
1s^2 2s^2 2p^2
$$
One of it's levels is ${}^1S_0$, which is corresponding with the following state:
$$
\begin{align}
\left| ...
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Analysis of metal carbonyl bonding in Fe(CO)5 using molecular orbitals
I am really struggling with this question we have been set in class:
Metal-carbonyl bonding: Conceptionally, one can build up $\ce{[Fe(CO)5]}$ from the $\ce{Fe(CO)4}$ fragment plus free $\ce{CO}$ in ...
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Symmetry Operation on Product of Functions
In regards to direct product representations, I'm trying to find a proof for:
$R(X_iY_j)=R(X_i)R(Y_j)$
Where $R$ is a symmetry operation of a group and $X_i$ and $Y_j$ are members of different basis ...
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Multiplicity letter codes for large amount of states
Well, let's say we have a large amount of states computed (e.g. over 50), all with the same multiplicity.
So, our ground state can be $X^2\Sigma^+_g$ and we can continue with $B^2, C^2$ etc. as ...
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What prevents an octahedral complex from always assuming the quadratic planar limiting case, due to the Jahn–Teller distortion?
When a given high-spin complex is Jahn–Teller distorted, this does not change the relative position of the total energy of the complex (assuming $\mathrm{d^{10}}$ configuration).
Indeed, the ...
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Energy of d(x²-y²) and d(xy) orbitals the same with respect to trigonal symmetry?
In the orbital splitting diagrams of trigonal planar and trigonal bipyramidal complexes the d$_{x² - y²}$ and d$_{xy}$ orbitals have the same energy. I have always assumed that this is because they ...
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Why does an improper rotation axis preclude chirality?
Can anybody prove that any molecule with an axis of improper rotation is nonchiral? I still do not understand why this is so, any proper mathematical proof or visualisation of a generalised molecule ...
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What is symmetry of p- and d-orbitals in ${D_{3h}}$?
To identify IR and Raman active, symmetry of p- and d-orbitals are used.
If we start since making ${D_{3h}}$ character table, how to match between symmetry of p- and d-orbitals and Mulliken symbol? ...
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What is the symmetry of the cuboctahedron (FCC metal)?
The background to this is that I've recently given a tutorial wherein we had to go through the determination of point groups for atoms in various lattices (BCC, FCC/CCP and HCP). BCC and HCP, I have ...
