- Point group
- D2h — A C2 principal axis, 2 perpendicular C2 axes and a horizontal mirror plane; these also give 2 vertical planes and a centre of inversion.
- Order
- 8
- Operations
- E, C₂(z), C₂(y), C₂(x), i, σ(xy), σ(xz), σ(yz)
- Shape
- Two fused planar rings
- Atoms
- 18 (C × 10, H × 8)
Symmetry elements of C₁₀H₈
- C₂ (z) — perpendicular to the molecular plane
- C₂ (y) — in the molecular plane
- C₂ (x) — in the molecular plane
- i — centre of inversion
- σ (xy) — the plane of the molecule
- σ (xz) — perpendicular to the molecule
- σ (yz) — perpendicular to the molecule
Structure
- C–C 1.36–1.42 Å (one length shown)
- Planar; all angles ≈ 120°
- Ten π electrons, aromatic
