Is XeO2F4 in the D4h Point Group?

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The discussion centers on determining the point group of the compound XeO2F4, with initial thoughts leaning towards D4h due to its symmetry elements. The user compares XeO2F4 to XeF4, noting the difference in lone pairs and double bonds. A key point raised is whether the compound's octahedral shape (Oh) requires identical substituents on the central atom. It is clarified that for octahedral symmetry, all six substituents must be the same, and the presence of C3 axes in octahedral symmetry is highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the importance of symmetry elements in correctly identifying the point group.
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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


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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!
 
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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...
 
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Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

TL;DR Summary: cannot find out error in solution proposed. [![question with rate laws][1]][1] Now the rate law for the reaction (i.e reaction rate) can be written as: $$ R= k[N_2O_5] $$ my main question is, WHAT is this reaction equal to? what I mean here is, whether $$k[N_2O_5]= -d[N_2O_5]/dt$$ or is it $$k[N_2O_5]= -1/2 \frac{d}{dt} [N_2O_5] $$ ? The latter seems to be more apt, as the reaction rate must be -1/2 (disappearance rate of N2O5), which adheres to the stoichiometry of the...
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