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Symmetry Lab › C∞v › Nitrous oxide

N₂O Nitrous oxide

Linear · point group C∞v · order ∞

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Point group
C∞v — A linear molecule without a centre of inversion: a C∞ axis along the bonds and an infinite number of mirror planes containing it.
Order
∞
Operations
E, 2C∞, ∞σᵥ
Shape
Linear
Atoms
3 (N × 2, O)

Symmetry elements of N₂O

  • 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

Structure

  • N≡N 1.128 Å, N–O 1.184 Å
  • N–N–O 180°
  • The oxygen is on the end, not in the middle
Nitrous oxide (N2O) — C∞v symmetry elements
Nitrous oxide: symmetry elements of the C∞v point group

Other C∞v molecules

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