Is XeO2F4 in the D4h Point Group?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ochemnerd
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Group Point
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The compound XeO2F4 is correctly assigned to the D4h point group due to its symmetry elements, which include 1 C4 axis, 4 C2 axes, 4 σv planes, and 1 σh plane. This is analogous to XeF4, which also exhibits D4h symmetry. However, the discussion highlights that the octahedral (Oh) point group requires all six substituents on the central atom to be identical, which is not the case for XeO2F4. The presence of C3 axes in octahedral symmetry further differentiates it from D4h.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular symmetry and point groups
  • Familiarity with VSEPR theory and molecular geometry
  • Knowledge of symmetry elements such as Cn axes and σ planes
  • Experience with chemical compounds, specifically xenon fluorides and oxides
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of D4h and Oh point groups in detail
  • Study the implications of symmetry in molecular geometry
  • Explore examples of compounds with D4h and Oh symmetry
  • Learn about the role of symmetry in predicting molecular behavior and reactivity
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, molecular symmetry enthusiasts, and professionals in the field of inorganic chemistry who are analyzing the symmetry properties of complex molecules.

ochemnerd
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Had this question on a test today and now I'm having second thoughts. We were asked to assign the point group of symmetry for the compound XeO2F4.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I had initially thought that it fell under D4h because it contains 1 C4 axis, 4 C2 axes, 4 σv planes and 1 σh plane. I know that the compound XeF4 is D4h and my rationale for assigning D4h to XeO2F4 was that it is identical to XeF4 except that instead of 2 lone pairs on the Xe there are 2 double bonded O's.

However, is the correct assignment for XeO2F4 octahedron (Oh)? It is a octahedral shape according to VSEPR but I'm not sure if all 6 substituents on the central atom have to be identical on Oh point groups.

Can someone please shed some light on this?

Cheers!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ochemnerd said:

Homework Statement


Had this question on a test today and now I'm having second thoughts. We were asked to assign the point group of symmetry for the compound XeO2F4.

Homework Equations


None


The Attempt at a Solution


I had initially thought that it fell under D4h because it contains 1 C4 axis, 4 C2 axes, 4 σv planes and 1 σh plane. I know that the compound XeF4 is D4h and my rationale for assigning D4h to XeO2F4 was that it is identical to XeF4 except that instead of 2 lone pairs on the Xe there are 2 double bonded O's.

However, is the correct assignment for XeO2F4 octahedron (Oh)? It is a octahedral shape according to VSEPR but I'm not sure if all 6 substituents on the central atom have to be identical on Oh point groups.

Can someone please shed some light on this?

Cheers!

yes, all 6 have to be the same. Don't forget there are also C3 axes in octahedral symmetry, which are not present in your proposed structure.
 
Thanks for the clarification, sjb-2812!
I fail to see where the C3 axes would be though in a molecule of octahedral symmetry...
 

Similar threads

Graduate What is the other axis in molecule XeF4's D4h character table?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 230)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 230)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K