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Symmetry Lab4AB · ABC Chemistry

Symmetry Lab › C3h › Boric acid

B(OH)₃ Boric acid

Planar, propeller-like · point group C3h · order 6

Open B(OH)₃ in 3D →

Point group
C3h — A C3 rotation axis and a horizontal mirror plane perpendicular to it.
Order
6
Operations
E, C₃, C₃², σh, S₃, S₃⁵
Shape
Planar, propeller-like
Atoms
7 (B, O × 3, H × 3)

Symmetry elements of B(OH)₃

  • C₃ — perpendicular to the plane, through B
  • σh — the plane of the molecule
  • S₃ — rotate 120°, then reflect in σh

Structure

  • B–O 1.36 Å, O–H 0.97 Å
  • O–B–O 120°, B–O–H 114°
  • All hydrogens point the same way round
Boric acid (B(OH)3) — C3h symmetry elements
Boric acid: symmetry elements of the C3h point group

Other C3h molecules

C₆H₃(OH)₃Phloroglucinol (benzene-1,3,5-triol)

Open in the 3D lab →  ·  All C3h molecules  ·  All point groups