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Symmetry Lab › D4d › Octacyanotungstate(IV) ion

[W(CN)₈]²⁻ Octacyanotungstate(IV) ion

Square antiprism · point group D4d · order 16

Open [W(CN)₈]²⁻ in 3D →

Point group
D4d — A C4 principal axis, 4 perpendicular C2 axes and 4 dihedral mirror planes that bisect them; the principal axis is also an S8 axis.
Order
16
Operations
E, 2S₈, 2C₄, 2S₈³, C₂, 4C₂′, 4σd
Shape
Square antiprism
Atoms
17 (W, C × 8, N × 8)

Symmetry elements of [W(CN)₈]²⁻

  • C₄ — through the centres of the two squares; also the S₈ axis
  • C₂′ (1) — perpendicular to the main axis
  • C₂′ (2) — perpendicular to the main axis
  • C₂′ (3) — perpendicular to the main axis
  • C₂′ (4) — perpendicular to the main axis
  • S₈ — rotate 45°, then reflect
  • σd (1) — contains the axis and one CN of each square
  • σd (2) — contains the axis and one CN of each square
  • σd (3) — contains the axis and one CN of each square
  • σd (4) — contains the axis and one CN of each square

Structure

  • W–C 2.16 Å, C≡N 1.15 Å
  • Eight ligands: two staggered squares
  • The textbook eight-coordinate shape
Octacyanotungstate(IV) ion ([W(CN)8]2-) — D4d symmetry elements
Octacyanotungstate(IV) ion: symmetry elements of the D4d point group

Other D4d molecules

S₈Cyclo-octasulfur (crown)[Os₂Cl₈]²⁻Octachlorodiosmate(III) ion

Open in the 3D lab →  ·  All D4d molecules  ·  All point groups