- 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
- Planar hexagonal ring
- Atoms
- 12 (B × 3, N × 3, H × 6)
Symmetry elements of B₃N₃H₆
- C₃ — perpendicular to the plane
- C₂ (1) — in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- C₂ (2) — in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- C₂ (3) — in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- σh — the plane of the molecule
- σᵥ (1) — perpendicular to the plane; in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- σᵥ (2) — perpendicular to the plane; in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- σᵥ (3) — perpendicular to the plane; in the plane, through one B and the opposite N
- S₃ — rotate 120°, then reflect in σh
Structure
- B–N 1.436 Å (all equal)
- All ring angles ≈ 120°
- "Inorganic benzene": alternating B and N
