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Which of the following molecules and ions has (a) a centre of inversion, (b) an \(S_{4}\) axis: (i) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), (ii) \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}\), (iii) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\), (iv) \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-} ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) CO鈧 and C鈧侶鈧 have a center of inversion; (b) SO鈧劼测伝 has an S鈧 axis.

Step by step solution

01

Define Center of Inversion

A center of inversion in a molecule means that for any atom at position \(x, y, z\), there is an equivalent atom at position \(-x, -y, -z\). Identify if each molecule has this symmetry.
02

Analyze CO鈧 for Center of Inversion

CO鈧 is a linear molecule with the carbon atom at the center. For inversion, oxygen on one side is mirrored by oxygen on the other, confirming CO鈧 has a center of inversion.
03

Analyze C鈧侶鈧 for Center of Inversion

C鈧侶鈧 (acetylene) is linear with hydrogen atoms opposite each other. The inversion symmetry exists because swapping positions along the line of the molecule gives identical positions, confirming a center of inversion.
04

Analyze BF鈧 for Center of Inversion

BF鈧 is a planar triangular molecule with boron in the center. No atom equivalent exists on opposite sides in three dimensions through inversion, hence no center of inversion.
05

Analyze SO鈧劼测伝 for Center of Inversion

The tetrahedral arrangement of SO鈧劼测伝 prevents any opposing atoms from matching inversely across a central point, so it lacks a center of inversion.
06

Define S鈧 Axis

An \(S_4\) axis refers to a molecule having a rotational symmetry of 90掳 followed by reflection in the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. Identify if each molecule has this symmetry.
07

Analyze CO鈧 for S鈧 Axis

CO鈧, being a linear molecule, does not exhibit the fourfold rotational symmetry needed for an \(S_4\) axis.
08

Analyze C鈧侶鈧 for S鈧 Axis

C鈧侶鈧, also linear, cannot have an \(S_4\) axis due to its symmetry being only along its linear bond.
09

Analyze BF鈧 for S鈧 Axis

BF鈧, as a trigonal planar molecule, lacks the specific rotational-reflection symmetry required for an \(S_4\) axis.
10

Analyze SO鈧劼测伝 for S鈧 Axis

SO鈧劼测伝 with its tetrahedral symmetry has \(S_4\) axes as it can be rotated 90掳, then reflected to achieve the same structure.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Center of Inversion
Molecular symmetry is fascinating, and understanding the center of inversion is a great starting point. A center of inversion exists when, for any atom at coordinates \((x, y, z)\), you can find an equivalent atom at \((-x, -y, -z)\). This means that the molecule can be mapped onto itself if every point within it is inverted through a specific center point.
Let's take some examples from the exercise to see which molecules have this symmetry:- **CO鈧**: In a linear molecule like \( ext{CO}_2\), symmetry is easier \(\text{to observe.}\) The oxygen atoms are at equal distances on either side of the central \( ext{carbon atom,}\) making \( ext{CO}_2\) have a center of inversion.- **C鈧侶鈧 (Acetylene)**: \(\text{This molecule,}\) which is also linear, has hydrogen atoms facing opposite each other. Swapping the positions of the hydrogens across the carbon-carbon bond doesn't change the configuration, confirming the center of inversion.- **BF鈧**: This molecule is triangular and planar. It \(\text{does not possess}\) a center of inversion due to its geometry.- **SO鈧劼测伝**: The tetrahedral structure of \( ext{\( ext{SO}_4^{2-}\)\) leads to a more complex symmetry, lacking a single point for inversion.
The center of inversion is one of the key symmetries missing in many molecules with non-linear or three-dimensional structures.
Symmetry Operations
Symmetry operations are manipulations that produce an indistinguishable configuration or structure within a molecule. They are central to understanding molecular symmetries.
Some common types include rotation, reflection, and inversion.Understanding these operations will allow you to grasp how and why molecules exhibit specific symmetry properties and how they relate to molecular functions and reactivity.- **Inversion:** Inversion is the action of transforming all coordinates \((x, y, z)\) to \((-x, -y, -z)\).
- **Rotation:** Rotating a molecule about an axis so its structure remains unchanged.- **Reflection:** Flipping the molecule so each point reflects on the opposite side of the symmetry plane.In the context of the exercise, focus was placed on rotational and inversion symmetries.
Knowing these operations is crucial when determining if specific molecules have certain axes or symmetry properties.It helps predict their behavior in reactions, as symmetric molecules often react in characteristic ways.
Rotational Symmetry
Rotational symmetry involves rotating a molecule around an axis and having the appearance remain unchanged. In molecules, this may include various axes of rotation that permit the structure to "look the same" after a specific amount of rotation.- **Degrees of Rotation:** Often, we talk about a full rotation (360 degrees), but in symmetry, even smaller fractions are crucial. For instance, an \(S_4\) axis involves a 90-degree step.
- **Example in CO鈧 and C鈧侶鈧:** Since both molecules are linear, they lack complex rotational symmetry; their symmetry is only along the bond.Rotational symmetry plays a role in the physical characteristics of molecules, including their spectral properties. Understanding it can also lend insight into how molecules interact with light and other energy forms as they often reflect their symmetry through these interactions.
Tetrahedral Symmetry
Tetrahedral symmetry is a specific type of symmetry recognized in molecules formed by one central atom bonded to four surrounding atoms, arranged in a shape resembling a tetrahedron.
In a tetrahedron, each vertex represents an atom, and each molecule can rotate around multiple axes while appearing the same.
An example given in the exercise is the \( ext{SO}_4^{2-}\) ion:- **Axes in SO鈧劼测伝:** The sulfate ion displays tetrahedral symmetry, having bands that rotate through axes at angles of \( ext{120}\) or \( ext{240 degrees}\).
- **Significance in \(S_4\) Axis:** Tetrahedral structures can involve \(S_4\) axes, where a 90-degree rotation followed by a reflection can map the molecule back onto itself.Tetrahedral symmetry is seen in many organic compounds and influences both physical and chemical properties, including bond angles, polarity, and chirality.
These affect reactivity, interaction with light, and other molecules, proving how crucial understanding symmetry is to mastering chemistry concepts.

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