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It seems to me that CO2, since it can be linearly rotated around the z-axis without change of shape, ought to be in the C∞v point group. However, in all the character tables I can find, it's listed as a D∞h. What's the difference between these two, and why does CO2 fall in the D∞h and not the C∞v?

anonymous2
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    In short, the two O atoms are equivalent, but $C_{\infty h}$ fails to acknowledge this, so you add more symmetry elements that switch these two atoms, and so you end up with $D_{\infty h}$ . – Ivan Neretin Nov 06 '18 at 13:48
  • Okay, I almost got that. What symmetry operations would switch the O's which wouldn't apply to a C∞v (assuming that's what you meant?) group? – anonymous2 Nov 06 '18 at 14:02
  • Why, many. Think of all these perpendicular $C_2$ axes, to begin with. – Ivan Neretin Nov 06 '18 at 14:06
  • Oh, of course. Duh, my stupid. Sorry, and thanks! If you have time to post a complete answer, I'll accept. – anonymous2 Nov 06 '18 at 14:08
  • Crazy how it is; now it's clicked I can't believe I didn't get it before. :) – anonymous2 Nov 06 '18 at 14:11
  • For concrete examples, consider the two linear species: $\ce{OCO}$ versus $\ce{OCN-}$. – Zhe Nov 06 '18 at 14:21
  • Gotcha. So linear H3+ would be $D∞h$, since there is a horizontal plane of symmetry through the centre of the middle hydrogen? – anonymous2 Nov 06 '18 at 14:31

2 Answers2

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Both are linear with a $C_{\infty}$ axis, but $D_{\infty h}$ has a center of inversion and $C_{\infty v}$ does not.

MaxW
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  • And that all-important $sigma_h$ mirror plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, giving the name of the point group. – Geoff Hutchison Nov 06 '18 at 18:41
  • @GeoffHutchison - Yes but for a linear molecule you don't need to identify a center of inversion, $i$, and a mirror plane perpendicular to the rotation axis ($\sigma_h$). For a linear molecule, if the center of inversion exists so must the perpendicular mirror plane, and if the perpendicular mirror plane exists so must the center of inversion. – MaxW Nov 06 '18 at 21:16
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    Of course - I just wanted to point out the mirror plane because it’s in the name of the point group. Exactly as you say, you can deduce one by the other. – Geoff Hutchison Nov 06 '18 at 21:32
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It will be easier to understand by giving an example of molecules:
$D_{\infty h} \to \ce{CO_2}$,
$C_{\infty v} \to \ce{HCN}$.

Both are linear molecules, however $\ce{CO_2}$ has an inversion, $\ce{HCN}$ does not.

Oscar Lanzi
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Sholih
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