CHAPTER 6: Question 6
2D explanations
The compound contains the symmetry elements E and i. The
centre of inversion is at the midpoint of the two molybdenum atoms and
can be seen on the diagram below in which the butyne and triphenylphosphine
ligands have been replaced by single letter groups. Hence, the molecule
belongs to point group Ci as determined from the symmetry
elements or the flow chart shown below. The molecule is achiral which can
be determined either from the point group (all chiral molecules must belong
to a Cn or Dn point group) or from
the fact that i = S2, so the molecule contains
an improper axis of rotation.
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