Question

Question: Identify the symmetry elements of the ${\mathbf{CCl}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{F}}_{\mathbf{2}}$molecule (see Fig. 12.15).

Short answer

The given molecule ${\mathrm{CCl}}_2{\mathrm{F}}_2$ contains one 2-fold rotational axis and two planes of symmetry.

Step-by-step solution

The symmetry elements.

The fundamental way of classification of different organic structures can be performed by finding their symmetry elements.

When an object, resulting from the rotation, reflection, or inversion of its original structure can be superimposed on the original; then the structure is said to contain the corresponding symmetry element.

Different symmetry elements are the axis of rotation (${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}$), a plane of reflection ($\mathrm{\sigma }$), or a center of symmetry (i).

Symmetry elements of the CCl2F2 molecule.

The IUPAC name of the given compound is dichlorodifluoromethane.

The geometry of the given compound is tetrahedral as shown below.

The given compound has a 2-fold rotational axis. Here, when the molecule is rotated by$180°$it brings one Cl in place of another Cl and one F in place of another F-atom.

Therefore, the molecule contains${\mathrm{C}}_2$axis of symmetry.

The molecule also contains 2 planes of symmetry. One plane ${\sigma }_{xz}$cutting 2 F-atoms; reflects the two chlorine atoms. Another plane${\sigma }_{yz}$ cutting two Cl-atoms; reflects the two fluorine atoms.