Open the structure file for problem 3.40: this shows the structure of C₂Cl₆ in the preferred staggered conformation. 

(a) Orientate the structure so you are looking along the C–C bond. You should be able to see six Cl atoms forming an apparent hexagon around two superimposed C atoms. Why is the principal axis a C₃ axis and not a C₆ axis? 

(b) Explain why an S₆ axis is coincident with the C₃ axis. 

(c) By referring to the appropriate character table in Appendix 3, confirm that C₂Cl₆ has D_3d symmetry.

Data from Appendix 3

Transcribed Image Text:

C₁ A C₂ A B C₂v A₁ A₂ B₁ B₂ E 1 E E 1 1 C₂ 1 -1 C2₂ 1 1 C₂ A' A" E z, R₂ x, y, Rz, Ry σ, (xz) 1 -1 Th -1 x, y², 2², xy yz, xz oy'(yz) 1 Z x, y, R. 2, R₁, Ry R₂ x, R, y, R₂ 2.².2.xy yz, xz 2.82²,2 Tu xy XZ yz