# List out the symmetry elements of ch3cl?

Jun 12, 2018

$\text{CH"_3"Cl}$ has the symmetry elements ${\text{E, C}}_{3}$, and σ_text(v).

#### Explanation:

$\text{CH"_3"Cl}$ belongs to the ${\text{C}}_{\textrm{3 v}}$ point group.

It has the symmetry element ${\text{E, a C}}_{3}$ axis, and three σ_text(v) planes.

The ${\text{C}}_{3}$ axis.

The structure of $\text{CH"_3"Cl}$ is

The molecule has a ${\text{C}}_{3}$ axis that includes the $\text{C-Cl}$ bond.

The three-fold axis may be more evident if you look down the $\text{C-Cl}$ bond with the $\text{Cl}$ atom closest to your eye.

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

${\sigma}_{\textrm{v}}$ planes

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

The plane of the screen includes a $\text{Cl-C-H}$ bond.

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

The top-down view shows all three mirror planes: