List out the symmetry elements of ch3cl?

1 Answer
Jun 12, 2018

#"CH"_3"Cl"# has the symmetry elements #"E, C"_3#, and #σ_text(v)#.

Explanation:

#"CH"_3"Cl"# belongs to the #"C"_text(3v)# point group.

It has the symmetry element #"E, a C"_3# axis, and three #σ_text(v)# planes.

The #"C"_3# axis.

The structure of #"CH"_3"Cl"# is

CH3Cl

The molecule has a #"C"_3# axis that includes the #"C-Cl"# bond.

The three-fold axis may be more evident if you look down the #"C-Cl"# bond with the #"Cl"# atom closest to your eye.

C3v

You can rotate the molecule 120° left or right and get a new configuration that is indistinguishable from the original.

#sigma_text(v)# planes

A second view of the molecule shows that the screen is a #σ_text(v)# plane.

σv

The plane of the screen includes a #"Cl-C-H"# bond.

A reflection converts the molecule into a form that is indistinguishable from the original.

The top-down view shows all three mirror planes:

Top down