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Symmetry Lab › D∞h › Mercury(II) chloride

HgCl₂ Mercury(II) chloride

Linear · point group D∞h · order ∞

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Point group
D∞h — A linear molecule with a centre of inversion: the C∞ axis, the planes containing it, a perpendicular mirror plane and an infinite number of perpendicular C2 axes.
Order
∞
Operations
E, 2C∞, ∞σᵥ, i, 2S∞, ∞C₂
Shape
Linear
Atoms
3 (Cl × 2, Hg)

Symmetry elements of HgCl₂

  • C∞ — the molecular axis: any rotation leaves the molecule unchanged
  • σᵥ (one of ∞) — any plane containing the axis
  • σᵥ (another) — any plane containing the axis
  • i — centre of inversion
  • σh — perpendicular to the axis, through the centre
  • C₂ (one of ∞) — any line through the centre perpendicular to the axis
  • C₂ (another) — same, at right angles
  • S∞ — any rotation about the axis, then reflect in σh

Structure

  • Hg–Cl 2.25 Å
  • Cl–Hg–Cl 180°
  • A linear d¹⁰ molecule
Mercury(II) chloride (HgCl2) — D∞h symmetry elements
Mercury(II) chloride: symmetry elements of the D∞h point group

Other D∞h molecules

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