Skip to content

Symmetry Lab › C3v › Acetonitrile

CH₃CN Acetonitrile

Methyl group + linear C≡N · point group C3v · order 6

Open CH₃CN in 3D →

Point group
C3v — A C3 rotation axis and 3 vertical mirror planes that contain it.
Order
6
Operations
E, 2C₃, 3σᵥ
Shape
Methyl group + linear C≡N
Atoms
6 (C × 2, H × 3, N)

Symmetry elements of CH₃CN

  • C₃ — through C, perpendicular to the H₃ plane
  • σᵥ (1) — contains the C₃ axis and one C–H bond
  • σᵥ (2) — contains the C₃ axis and one C–H bond
  • σᵥ (3) — contains the C₃ axis and one C–H bond

Structure

  • C–H 1.09 Å, C–C 1.46 Å, C≡N 1.16 Å
  • H–C–H 109.5°, C–C≡N 180°
  • One lone pair on N
Acetonitrile (CH3CN) — C3v symmetry elements
Acetonitrile: symmetry elements of the C3v point group

Other C3v molecules

Open in the 3D lab →  ·  All C3v molecules  ·  All point groups