Point Group & Symmetry of Urea Molecule: Solution Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the point group and symmetry of the planar urea molecule. The point group identified is Cs, with the symmetry of the x and y coordinates classified as A' and the z coordinate as A''. Participants seek clarification on identifying equivalent sets of atomic orbitals and their respective symmetries, specifically for the orbitals of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear orientation of the coordinates relative to the molecule to accurately assess symmetry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular symmetry and point groups
  • Familiarity with atomic orbitals, specifically for C, N, O, and H
  • Knowledge of symmetry operations in chemistry
  • Basic concepts of group theory as applied to molecular structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of the Cs point group in detail
  • Study the symmetry operations relevant to molecular orbitals
  • Learn about equivalent sets of orbitals and their symmetry classifications
  • Explore the orientation of molecular coordinates in relation to symmetry analysis
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Chemistry students, molecular symmetry researchers, and anyone studying the structural properties of molecules, particularly in the context of group theory and orbital symmetry.

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Problem: Consider the planar urea molecule.
i) Determine the point Group, as well as the symmetry of the x,y and z coordinates.
ii) Consider the following atomic orbitals:
C : 2s; 2p
N : 2s; 2p
O : 2s; 2p
H : 1s
Determine the equivalent sets of orbitals and the symmetry of each set.

Solution: i) Found the pointgroup to be Cs, and symmetry x,y = A' and z = A''.

Don't know how to tell which ones are equivalent and which symmetries they have.
Can someone please help?
 
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Cs is too small. It has a higher symmetry. Which symmetry operations did you find?
To say something about the symmetry of x,y and z, you have to specify how they are oriented relative to the molecule.
 

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