Symmetry Lab › D3h › Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane
C₈H₁₄ Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane
Two bridgeheads joined by three CH₂CH₂ bridges · point group D3h · order 12
- Point group
- D3h — A C3 principal axis, 3 perpendicular C2 axes and a horizontal mirror plane; these also give 3 vertical planes.
- Order
- 12
- Operations
- E, 2C₃, 3C₂, σh, 2S₃, 3σᵥ
- Shape
- Two bridgeheads joined by three CH₂CH₂ bridges
- Atoms
- 22 (C × 8, H × 14)
Symmetry elements of C₈H₁₄
- C₃ — perpendicular to the plane
- C₂ (1) — through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- C₂ (2) — through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- C₂ (3) — through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- σh — the plane of the molecule
- σᵥ (1) — perpendicular to the plane; through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- σᵥ (2) — perpendicular to the plane; through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- σᵥ (3) — perpendicular to the plane; through the midpoint of one bridge and the opposite gap
- S₃ — rotate 120°, then reflect in σh
Structure
- C–C 1.54 Å
- Bridgehead–bridgehead through three equal bridges
- A rigid, cage-like alkane
![Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (C8H14) — D3h symmetry elements](/molecular-symmetry/infographics/C8H14_Bicyclo222octane_D3h.png)